The Nothing

If not for a recommendation, I probably would have never watched this film.

Based on Michael Ende’s book of the same name, The NeverEnding Story was replete with subpar graphics (even by 1984 standards), and some pretty harrowing episodes.

My own bride — who saw it as a child — found the film traumatizing, especially the death of Artax, a horse — neigh I say — that drowns in a Swamp of Sadness!

(Incidentally, I hadn’t seen a horse treated so poorly since ‘Mongo’ punched-out one in Blazing Saddles.)

I realize that many of you are familiar with the story, but for those who aren’t, here’s a brief summary:

‘A young boy, Bastian Balthazar, Bux, discovers a mysterious book that tells the tale of a land called Fantastica. A malevolent force known as The Nothing stands in the way of Atreyu, a brave warrior tasked with saving Fantastica (and an empress). As Bastian continues to read, he finds himself immersed in the story, confronting his own fears, realizing that he has the ability to influence the outcome.’

Now, I understand how much this film may have influenced young viewers back then, and I also appreciate the nostalgia it brings to adults. Some, I’m sure, have encouraged their own children to watch it. Still, it’s rare for our personal favorites to have the same impact on the next generation.

Even if I stepped back into a younger version of myself, I don’t think it would have mattered. Dragons have never been my thing. And Falkor looks downright spooky!

To put it in perspective, I never took to Game of Thrones for the same reason: dragons.

I’ve shared my favorite childhood film, The Wiz, with all of my children, with the hope that they’d enjoy it as much as I do. But while Michael Jackson and Diana Ross eased on down the road, my kids eased on out of the living room.

Sigh.

I am glad that I watched The NeverEnding Story, but I believe I’d have more interest in the book.

Speaking of books, The Hobbit had a sizable impact on me.

But that is another story, and shall be told another time