PopHorror Let's Get Scared
The most gut-wrenching scene from any 1980s children film has to be from The NeverEnding Story (1984). As a child, watching Artax succumb to the Swamps of Sadness in the film was devastating and left me sobbing hysterically. It is not any better rewatching this scene 40 years later as an adult because it still instantly brings me to tears. The pleading that Atreyu makes to Artax is still so haunting, “You have to try. You have to care. You are my best friend. You have to move or you’re going to die! Don’t quit, Artax!” Ugh! Hand me a tissue! That one is rough!
Synopsis
Bastian (Barrett Oliver) takes a detour into a bookstore to avoid bullies on his journey to school. He discovers a book that he sneaks from the bookstore called ‘The NeverEnding Story” and decides to read it in the attic at school. The lines of reality are blurred as the boy discovers he may be the human child that is needed to save the land of Fantasia from the evil entity, The Nothing.
The film was directed by Wolfgang Peterson (Outbreak, 1995). It stars Noah Hathaway (Sushi Girl, 2012), Barret Oliver (Cocoon, 1985), Tami Stronach (Man and Witch, 2024), Alan Oppenheimer (WestWorld,1973), Gerald McRaney (The Disappointment Room, 2016), and Moses Gunn (Shaft, 1971).
The Neverending Story was released on June 20,1984 in the United States. It was based on the 1979 German novel by the same name that was written by Michael Ende.
Have a look at the trailer!
Movie Trivia
Tagline: A boy who needs a friend finds a world that needs a hero in a land beyond imagination!
Show Me the Money: At the time, The NeverEnding Story (1984) was the most expensive film produced outside the United States. The film was produced in Germany. The budget of the movie was $50 million.
Spielberg Connection: Steven Spielberg assisted with the editing and marketing for the release of The NeverEnding Story (1984) in the United States. Additionally, he owns the original Auryn from the film. It is rumored that he keeps this movie artifact displayed behind glass in his office.
Wizardly Coincidence: Noah Hathaway who plays Atreyu in The NeverEnding Story (1984) went on to play Harry Potter, but not the wizard that you probably are thinking of. This Harry Potter is the main character of a horror film called Troll (1986). He has to battle magical creatures that are taking over his apartment complex. It is a must see if you haven’t seen it and is streaming on Tubi!
Being Fungi: The character of Atreyu is actually green in the book. The makeup team for The NeverEnding Story (1984) tried painting the actor who played Atreyu green, but apparently it didn’t look right. He apparently looked like Fungi per Noah Hathaway.
Take the time to rewatch The NeverEnding Story (1984) in celebration of its 40th anniversary! This classic is streaming on multiple platforms or pull from your physical media collection. Just remember to grab a box of tissues because it still hits all the feels.
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