The NeverEnding Story Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bullied kid steals a book and then yells at it to stop a sad wolf-dog-thing from taking over a magical land that’s powered by children’s daydreams… or something?

🍿 The NeverEnding Story: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Bastian’s Escape

Bastian, a troubled young boy grieving his mother’s death, escapes bullies by hiding in a bookstore. He’s captivated by a mysterious book titled ‘The NeverEnding Story’. The bookstore owner warns him of its dangerous nature, piquing Bastian’s curiosity.

The World of Fantasia

Bastian steals the book and hides in his school’s attic to read. The story unfolds in Fantasia, a magical world threatened by ‘The Nothing,’ a force of destruction. The Childlike Empress, ruler of Fantasia, is fading, and a young warrior named Atreyu is tasked with finding a cure.

Atreyu’s Quest

Atreyu embarks on a perilous journey, facing creatures and challenges. He seeks guidance from Morla the Ancient One and the Southern Oracle, learning that the Empress needs a new name given by a human child from beyond Fantasia. His journey is fraught with peril and the encroaching Nothing.

The Loss of Artax

One of the most emotionally resonant scenes involves Atreyu and his horse Artax traversing the Swamps of Sadness. The swamp’s despair overwhelms Artax, causing him to sink and die, a moment that deeply affects Atreyu and Bastian, the reader.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Bastian (Barret Oliver): A lonely and imaginative boy escapes his troubles by reading a magical book and becoming intertwined with its fantasy world.
• Atreyu (Noah Hathaway): A brave and skilled young warrior is tasked with saving the land of Fantasia from the encroaching Nothing.
• The Childlike Empress (Tami Stronach): The benevolent ruler of Fantasia is fading due to the loss of human imagination and requires a new name to be saved.
• Falkor (Alan Oppenheimer): A luckdragon who befriends and aids Atreyu in his quest, providing hope and transportation.
• Gmork (Alan Oppenheimer): A wolf-like creature and servant of the Nothing, he represents the darkness consuming Fantasia and seeks to stop Atreyu.
• Carl Conrad Coreander (Thomas Hill): The mysterious bookstore owner who introduces Bastian to ‘The Neverending Story’ and hints at its power.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rock Biter: “They look like good, strong hands, don’t they? I always thought that’s what they were.” – Said with a melancholic tone after realizing he cannot save his friends from The Nothing, showing his powerlessness.
• Gmork: “I am a servant of the power behind The Nothing. I was sent to kill the only one who could have stopped it. I failed.” – Gmork reveals his role and the nature of The Nothing to Atreyu.
• Childlike Empress: “Bastian, why don’t you do what you dream, Bastian?” – She encourages Bastian to embrace his imagination and save Fantasia.
• Falkor: “Never give up and good luck will find you.” – Falkor’s optimistic encouragement to Atreyu during his quest.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $27,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $20,192,381
• Worldwide Gross: $20,288,595

💥 The NeverEnding Story Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘The NeverEnding Story’ as a kid and being completely transported. The scene in the Swamps of Sadness with Artax still gets me choked up! It’s a little cheesy now, but the core message about believing in the power of imagination is timeless. I showed it to my kids, and they loved Falkor!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of fantasy films”
  • “Viewers who appreciate stories about imagination and courage”
  • “Families looking for a classic adventure film”
  • “Those who enjoy films with strong moral messages”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes may be intense or frightening for young children, particularly the Artax death scene and encounters with Gmork.”
  • “Deals with themes of loss and grief”
  • “Mild violence and scary imagery”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Visually stunning for its time, Petersen’s direction transports viewers to a fantastical realm where imagination reigns supreme. While the pacing may feel slow to modern audiences, the film’s themes of hope and the importance of dreams resonate powerfully.
• Indiewire: “Though visually creative and groundbreaking for its era, ‘The NeverEnding Story’ suffers from uneven pacing and a somewhat simplistic narrative. The special effects, while charming, may not hold up for some contemporary viewers.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “The NeverEnding Story is a fantastical adventure that celebrates the power of imagination, even if its execution is slightly uneven. A must-watch for families and those seeking a nostalgic trip back to the 80s.

Audience Reactions

Falkor is the BEST luckdragon EVER!: Viewers praise the film’s imaginative creatures, especially Falkor, and the overall sense of wonder it evokes.

I cried when Artax died!: The emotional impact of certain scenes, such as Artax sinking in the Swamps of Sadness, is frequently mentioned and deeply felt by the audience.

Overall Consensus: A classic 80s fantasy film that, while dated in some respects, continues to charm audiences with its heartwarming message and imaginative world-building.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “With a budget of 50 million Deutsche Mark (about $27,000,000), this was the most expensive film ever produced in Germany at the time.”
• “Michael Ende, the author of the novel, was reportedly unhappy with the film adaptation, stating that it strayed too far from his original story.”
• “The design of Falkor the Luckdragon was inspired by a Golden Retriever dog.”

🖥️ How to Watch The NeverEnding Story?

The NeverEnding Story is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential TV airings. Streaming availability may vary by region, so confirm options specific to your location.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The NeverEnding Story, you might like these similar films:

• Labyrinth (1986): Both films feature a young protagonist entering a fantastical world and going on a quest to save it.
• The Dark Crystal (1982): Similar in its use of puppetry and dark fantasy elements to create a unique and imaginative world.
• Pan’s Labyrinth (2006): It blends dark fantasy with real-world issues through the eyes of a child protagonist who escapes into a magical realm, exploring themes of imagination and hope.
• Bridge to Terabithia (2007): Explores similar themes of escaping reality through imagination and the power of friendship, but in a more grounded, contemporary setting.

🛒 The NeverEnding Story Related Products

• The NeverEnding Story (Blu-ray): Relive the magic with a high-definition transfer of the classic film, perfect for showcasing the film’s groundbreaking visual effects.
• The NeverEnding Story: Michael Ende Hardcover: Experience the complete original story with the unedited, unabridged novel by Michael Ende. Dive deeper into the realm of Fantastica.
• AURYN Medallion – The NeverEnding Story Replica: Wear the iconic AURYN, a symbol of protection and guidance in Fantastica. A detailed replica for fans of all ages.
• Falkor Plush Toy: Embrace the magic with your very own Falkor plush toy, a soft and cuddly replica of the beloved luckdragon from The NeverEnding Story.

🎧 Soundtrack

The NeverEnding Story features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The NeverEnding Story” – performed by Limahl
• “Ivory Tower” – performed by Klaus Doldinger

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

What The NeverEnding Story Cast Looks Like Today

I’ll bet you always wondered what happened to Atreyu and Bastian! This video has all the answers you crave about your childhood heroes!

Neverending Story 2 Review – Nostalgia Critic

For those who remember the excitement of The NeverEnding Story, take a trip down memory lane with Nostalgia Critic’s evaluation of the second installment. Is it as good as you remember it?

✨ Rate