THE NEVERENDING STORY (1984) | FIRST TIME WATCHING | MOVIE REACTION

[@silverbane1977]

Artax made Us cry, The damn Grimmock scared the Hell out of Us, and Falcor made Us believe. The Neverending Story was one of the definitive 80's Fantasy movies.

[@zimvader25]

Gmork? Lol where'd you get grimmock from?

[@JRFROMWBC]

I got a tear watching Artax again, and I am 48 years old. Wonder what messed up Gen X.

[@bryanfouts287]

I’M NOT CRYING YOU’RE CRYING SHUT UP

[@Spiralsinto]

A staple of my childhood. I can't even count the amounts of times I've watched this movie throughout my life.

[@crawdaddy2004]

Even today, at the age of 37, I still tear up a bit during this scene.

[@AWAKEtheIRON]

80s movies did not sugar-coat difficult themes to make them "kid-friendly". Hard things are hard and real and kids face hard things too. Kids are more intuitive and tougher than they are treated these days. I fear newer generations will lack a certain grit from being pandered to. Hate to sound like an old fuddy duddy but 80s kids were tough, and the movies of that era reflect that. Thanks for reacting to this classic 80s fantasy film.

[@teethang1]

The Artax scene wrecked us as an entire generation. Even now at 45 years old I still tear up when he says to him "Try for me, you're my friend" as he's sinking. Ugh, gets me every time!

[@LostintheTangle]

​@Missy-mb3fq I always had to fast forward the VHS tape for my son when it got to that part.

[@AbsoluteApril]

i cried yet again when they went thru it in this reaction

[@mattiethesurfer]

44 here and yup. Trauma probably deep down in me over that scene.

[@chynne33]

I had to mute the video at that point and do something else to try and get my mind off of it. Didn't work.

[@katarinad1309]

It is a very traumatic moment but you feel it most when you know what it means to lose someone you truly love. Watching it before my father died it was horrible but after the age of eleven after my Dad died it is unbearable. Yes I’m 46 and I can’t watch it because I cry and want to scream in pain.

[@johnlloyddy7016]

Man, I remember these films back in the 80s that transported us to new worlds. "The Princess Bride", "The Neverending Story", "Willow", "Labyrinth" and "Legend" starring Tom Cruise.

[@mondkalb9813]

And The Dark Crystal 🙂Oh, and TIme Bandits too

[@kalzyoung]

Right!! They don’t make these type of fantasy movies anymore. That time watching these hit differently

[@chelsea747]

And Return To Oz! 💚

[@Emmanuel_Lacombe]

Legend to me is my favorite amongst all of these. A must watch!

[@MrAsmontero]

The Wiz!

[@Vinciini83]

As an adult who's experienced it, and been devastated by it, only now do I recognize that this movie was always about GRIEF. The pain & loss that Bastion feels since his mother died (the dream), the feeling of helplessness when dealing with it alone (Bastion's Father), the anger at the apathy of those around him (Morla), the fear that constantly threatens to swallow him (the Gmork), leaving an all-consuming 'Nothing' behind. The Neverending Story always changes according to who's reading it, and for Bastion, it turned itself into something therapeutic to help him cope with his grief. I'm glad you guys got to watch it.

[@thgeremilrivera-thorsen9556]

I agree, and the second half of the book (which is not included in the film) just hammers that point home even more. I warmly recommend reading it.

[@erick-gd7wo]

Yes I read the whole book in original language back in 1992 December in 3 days only to get a bit more of the hidden meaning of it 8 years later. The rhymes are one of the finest in one of the chapter where the Kindliche Kaiserin got to meet the guy who lives in the eternal ice.

[@ohauss]

@@thgeremilrivera-thorsen9556 The first half of the book is a love letter to creativity and fantasy and a warning not to lose our inner child, while the second part is a warning not to get completely lost in our own make-believe.

[@lordmortarius538]

Many, many dads in the 80's were like Bastian's father: aloof and emotionally suppressive, because to them, showing that they care was done through working hard and providing; the emotional support and caring was the mom/housewife's job. That's just how it was back then, and not many these days realize how different society was even 40 years ago. My dad was like that when I was a kid in the 80's, he was the captain of an oil tanker so when he was home (3 months on, 3 months off), he was still "The Captain" and he treated us like crew to an extent. Follow orders, perform tasks, etc., I always dreaded those months when he'd be off the ship. Obviously now that I'm 44 and he's nearly 80 things have changed and we're close, but the 70's/80's was a rough time to be a kid with emotionally distant parents :/

[@Greenwood4727]

see bastian is reading the story we are watching other people react to bastion so a never ending story.. we are part of the story now

[@TheConnonedrum]

Anyone who saw the series "Stranger Things" when Suzie made Dusty sing the song and it was the song from this movie all cheered so hard and remembered how great this movie was too.

[@eyezaropin]

Oh hell yeah, I fckin LOVED that scene!! *Stranger* *Things* is an amazing show, I was an instant fan! Especially because the creators apparently love the 80's just as much as I do, so that helped lol😁

[@TheConnonedrum]

@eyezaropin1304 that definitely took me back. I was all in when I first saw it took place in the 80s. What an amazing time to be alive, honestly.

[@eyezaropin]

@@TheConnonedrum Agreed! The 80's and 90's were great!

[@robinsonsarah143]

Love stranger things can't believe there's only one more series then it's over 😢

[@nuclear.narwhal]

Uh. I still don't get how this song connects to the movie. Maybe cuz I'm not Murican and grew up with the original story in Germany, but this exact song doesn't show up in our version tho

[@SherriLyle80s]

People always miss what the old lady says, "It has to hurt if it's to heal." The book goes more in depth, but the book is about dealing with grief and learning to rebuild your world again.

[@chynne33]

I'm 46 and I read the book for the first time about 3 years ago. So much I wish they had put in, but not enough time or money I guess

[@PrinceofArfon]

I grew up with this movie, am now in my thirties, and only with this reaction just connected that line with Bastian’s grief.

[@memyshadow2393]

Yes! This part always sticks out for me, too... such good and well woven writing :)

[@ohauss]

The book deals with human creativity and imagination, poetry and dreams, their importance and how vital they are to our survival - while the second part is a warning not to overdo it and lose our actual, real, selves amidst our make-believe.

[@greenpeasuit]

I was going to comment almost the exact same thing except I haven't read the book.

[@ChronosTachyon]

Everyone my age talks about Artax, but honestly, it's the end of the movie that's always hit me the hardest: meeting Rockbiter after he gives up, the hopelessness of seeing Fantasia in pieces, Atreyu's meeting with the Empress, and the Empress begging Bastian to call out her name. That whole sequence always moves me to tears to this day. BTW, none of us could tell what name Bastian was screaming, either. It turns out it was "Moonchild". Having not read the book myself, apparently this film only adapts the first half of the story. The second half is about how too *much* fantasy is a bad thing. The sequel movie does a ham-fisted job of trying to adapt it. It's not awful, but it's not nearly as good as this film. On the other hand, it stars the late Jonathan Brandis (1976 - 2003) as an older Bastian; when Brandis died, it was heartbreaking for me and some of my peers, because he was kind of a big deal as a teen actor in the 90s but always felt a lot more genuine and heartfelt than a lot of the other teen boys that got the "heartthrob" label.

[@sporf_sporf]

"They look like big strong hands, don't they?" gets me every time.

[@joeblankenship377]

The concept of "the nothing" overtaking everything is pretty freaky.

[@shainewhite2781]

RIP, Wolfgang Petersen, 1941-2022, for bringing us this fantastic adventure film.

[@Zimtbiss1]

RIP Michael Ende, 1929 - 1995, for writing the novel.

[@ellefitzpatrick6339]

RIP Johnathan Brandis 1976-2003, who played Bastian in NES II.

[@JustTanya.]

This movie was really a pivotal one for those of us who grew up watching it. Artax, Lord have mercy. I'm 44 years old and I still bawl like a baby at that scene. Other 80s fantasy movie suggestions, "Legend" with Tom Cruise and "Willow" with Val Kilmer. I would say "Labyrinth" but it's a musical and I know it's difficult with copyright claims. Also, there is a great movie. It's an action movie set in late 70s New York. It's called "The Warriors". I don't think you guys reacted to it yet. Definitely worth a watch. 🤷🏻‍♀😎👍

[@UserName-vb4lg]

Would also add time bandits to that list.

[@SwiftFoxProductions]

Definitely a big yes to "Labyrinth" if they can swing it!! 😎

[@samhainkid]

All great suggestions!!!!! The 80's was a killer time for imaginative film-making.

[@Gambit-Lobo]

I've mentioned Legend to The Rob Squad before. I hope they'll finally watch it. 🙏🏽

[@zimriel]

@@SwiftFoxProductions or Flash Gordon. He saved every one of us.

[@Matacron]

I am a 44-year-old man who grew up with this movie. Tears came to my eyes when your faces and eyes widened as you realized what Fantasia was. Do what you dream.

[@Ravenwind999]

Me too! I'm 44 and grew up with this film. I loved it from the very first time I watched it.

[@AnimeOtakuDrew]

48 and I felt the same way. And I still cry when Artax dies.

[@bgaona]

I'm so impressed with this movie. It's one of the few kids' movies that actually gets more interesting the older I get. It's almost a spiritual classic.

[@snidefultodd]

James and the Giant Peach is one of the best loved adaptations of a Roald Dahl story and a prime example of stop motion animation. It is neither obscure nor niche.

[@Brendan1978]

I remember reading the book when I was a kid

[@citydweller99]

I loved the book as a kid.. and I loved the adaptation as well

[@leahsunbury9639]

I loved that book! The movie was pretty good too. I don't say that very often.

[@jjkcharlie]

I liked Fantastic Mr. Fox.

[@notanotherenigma7759]

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Willie Wonka) and James and the Giant Peach were both written by Roald Dahl. I have to confess, when you were asking "is it a dog dragon, is it a ...." , it felt like an English pantomime, and I was sitting here saying, "it's a luck dragon, it's a luck dragon, look behind you!!"

[@mikeshimmel3561]

Who as a kid didn’t imagine yourself taking a ride on the back of Falkor!!! This movie brings back sooooo many great childhood memories for me!

[@haps2019]

You could do that in the Bavaria film studio tours!

[@KeoTower]

There's one thing about this movie that most people tend to miss on their first watch. The childlike empress talks to atreyu and tells him something like, "he has been watching our story while others have been watching his" It passes by so quickly that most people don't even register it. What the childlike empress is saying is that Bastion has been watching Atreyu and the child like empress through this whole story......so then who's been watching Bastion? We have, the audience has. We too are part of this never-ending story and the movie says it directly. I love this freaking movie.

[@cyanidemigraine]

yep, and now we are watching them watch bastion watching atreyu :)

[@DustinHawke]

Who's watching us? The aliens are... that's who!

[@DaP84]

Storyception, where is the totem when you need it?

[@aliciawashington1072]

That's why I love this couple! They get it!

[@rachel-leegeorge3374]

​@@DaP84the auryn symbol that protects Atreyu is an ouroboros. It is a neverending destruction eating creation, and creation overpowering destruction.

[@firefly24601]

Artax in the swamp, and "big strong hands" are two core memories of absolute heartbreak for Gen X. When Bastian yelled MOOON CHIIIIILD, only those of us who'd read the book knew wtf he said.

[@hjwmachinehead]

Nice to know, I thought for 40 years he said Something like "Mariah 😂

[@hjwmachinehead]

Btw that little man from the west is also playing in Willy Wonka s umpaluma I thing his real name is Deep roy

[@mysterion3182]

I tried watching that with the subtitles on, and when he yells the name it says "inaudible"

[@TheOsiris66]

For us 80's children seeing the Artax scene was totally devastating and we will always remember the emotion we felt watching this at the cinema...the music and the whole story will always bring tears to my tired eyes.

[@faithnyou1732]

My Son is 41 today, and this was his all-time favorite movie when he was a kid. I had this DVD and we would watch it every weekend and never got tired of it. We both loved this movie so much! Thanks for this great choice and reaction! ✌💙✌

[@fossilkingdom]

When I was a child (in the 80s), every Friday my father would take us to the movie rental store and every single time my sister (RIP) would rent this movie. This will always hold a special place in my heart and I have passed that love down to my children who also love this film.

[@carolynquinn8325]

As a little sister who lost her older brother (who'd roll his eyes and laugh every time we went to the rental store b/c he knew I' be picking the Neverending Story) I think it's lovely you've passed the movie on to your children. What a beautiful way to honour your sister

[@butkusfan23]

as a little brother who lost his older brother and older sister (they died 15 years apart, to the day) I think it’s wonderful to hear people share their memories, and support one another. I always loved a trip to the movie rental store as an 80’s kid; for me the best part was the smell of fresh popcorn when you walked in.

[@jengoodwyn2715]

You all have me crying and I haven't even started the movie yet.

[@ca9968]

This film and a film called "Legend" (1985) with Tom Cruise and Tim Curry are mid 1980`s fantasy classics! I watched them both when I was kid so much that I snapped the VHS tape I had them both recorded on...

[@slm3108]

Welcome you two! You are now both part of The Neverending Story! Just as you watched the movie, we watched you watching the movie, and so the story continues.

[@korimiller379]

One of the cornerstones of any 80's child was this movie. Even all these years later it still has a message that actually works with growth. Of course it also was one of my first OST obsessions. Limahl's Neverending Story was (and still is) played and enjoyed every time.

[@tomyoung9049]

Get chills when she is explaining how the human child has been with all the time. And taking further saying others are watching him,,,puts us in Neverending story as well. 😮😁

[@douglasroderick2282]

Now take it further and think about we are watching someone else watch and react to this movie then someone else is reading/reacting to our comments.

[@s.rry-guld2961]

@@douglasroderick2282 It truly has become a Real Neverending Story, hasnt it. Ive been reading some of the comments as tears run down My cheeks.

[@UtopiaBlue68]

WOOOW .. That is an amazing concept and so very true@@douglasroderick2282

[@UtopiaBlue68]

I'm totally with you on this Journey as I've just replied to your comment I see you and agree, what a mind bender and yet so cool .. Lolz @@s.rry-guld2961

[@christopherflynn6743]

Probably the most underrated, and greatest movie ever made. Those who don't agree just couldn't comprehend it.

[@ricardorgomez]

I'm older than the two of you and I still occasionally watch this movie. It's a SERIOUSLY dramatic, adventurous and deep movie. Lots of life messages. Glad you enjoyed it. Your kid is going to love it!

[@AnimeOtakuDrew]

I was eight years old when this came out in the summer of 1984 (I turned nine that November) and I saw this in the movie theater in Enid, OK, at least twice. As with the original Star Wars trilogy and a handful of other films (like The Goonies and Stand by Me), this film left a HUGE impression of me. This movie (along with the animated film of The Hobbit and Disney's The Black Cauldron) are directly responsible for my love of the fantasy genre. Immediately after seeing this, I begged my mother to get me a copy of the novel it was based on (The Never Ending Story, by Michael Ende) and I have read it countless times since then. In answer to some of the things you mentioned: No, Bastian and Atreyu were not played by the same actor. Falcor (the luck dragon) is based on a type of dragon from Chinese mythology, which is why he appears furry and more dog-like as opposed to scaly and with wings like Smaug and other western-style dragons. Some interesting facts: In Ende's novel, Atreyu is described as having green skin and Artax talks. When they were filming the scene where Gmork (the wolf-like creature that was trying to kill Atreyu) leapt from the cave and tackled Atreyu, who stabbed it with a shard of rock, the actor who played Atreyu almost lost an eye to one of the puppet's claws. In the original novel, Bastian is described as being rather heavyset and out of shape, which makes the dichotomy between him and Atreyu more stark. The novel featured not just two, but THREE trials that Atreyu had to face in order to reach the Southern Oracle; there were the sphinxes as seen here, followed by the mirror gate (which had an effect on him that was left out in the film . . . and effect that wasn't removed until he passed the third trial and reached the Southern Oracle). In the novel, there are 26 chapters, and the first letter of each chapter progresses through the alphabet in order. This film only covers the first half of Michael Ende's novel; the second half is (VERY loosely) adapted in The Neverending Story II. It has different actors, but I still like it a lot (just whatever you do, DON'T watch The Neverending Story III; it's not based on the novel at all, but instead comes up with a completely new story that is so out of touch with the message and tone of the first two that it really disgusts me that it ever got greenlit). Oh, and one other fact about this movie; even almost 40 years and countless rewatches later, I still cry every time I see Artax die in the Swamps of Sadness. Well, I think my recommendation this time is already clear. I could, of course, recommend any of the movies I mentioned in that first paragraph, all of which were so pivotal in my life, but after this, i think you know that the one I REALLY have to recommend is the sequel to this one: The Neverending Story II. Enjoy!

[@LSebastien]

Now you two are part of the NeverEnding Story, and so is everyone who watches your story via your online content 😊

[@PaulSnook-PewPew]

and this is one of the reason I like watching reaction videos. You just caught something in this great old kids movie, that even after seeing this classic dozens of times, raising my son watching it, I never caught it ... "what a great metaphor for life, don't let the sadness get you down".

[@amandawilmot6780]

This film is so heavy and it went comoletely over my head as a child, but when I rewatched it as an adult it hit me so hard. It's such a wonderful film. The effects are very much dated, but the themes of depression and despair and loss are just so so powerful. I'm so happy you watched this and reacted to it ❤

[@mystichealer]

Right, and that's what makes it a never-ending story, because at one point or another, it led us all back to it as an adult!

[@TheWindcrow]

T-T

[@tamarleigh]

Yeah, as a kid this hit me very differently from the way it hits now that I have been through the loss of my parents. 💔

[@lordmortarius538]

Practical effects will ALWAYS be better than CGI. I prefer bad practical to bad CG any day.

[@belkyhernandez8281]

Yeah. I didn't get those things either when I was younger in a way I could articulate. But somewhere inside I knew it was important.

[@richaelastaley8131]

Oh Amber! I'm not surprised you are super into this movie and if you haven't gone down the rabbit hole of '80s fantasy, you are in for many treats. If I had to pick one, I'd say "The Last Unicorn" is a must for you (don't worry Rob, I think you'll still enjoy it!). I'd also recommend "The Dark Crystal", "Legend" and "Labyrinth", although there are tons more. Also, if you have never watched "Fraggle Rock", I would highly recommend it, especially if you enjoy kids shows that have deeper messages ♥ Not everyone gets this era of children's fantasy, especially if you were introduced to it as an adult, but for the people it resonates with...well, you know 🥰 You may not be an '80s baby yourself, but we welcome you with open arms!

[@marieke4727]

Yess Legend with Tom Cruise

[@kimberly72]

I absolutely LOVED The Last Unicorn as a child. Still do. But, the Red Bull would give me nightmares. Literally

[@jackbrooks5487]

Peter S. Beagle is one of my favorite fantasy authors. The Last Unicorn is a masterpiece. I wish they would bring more of his works to the screen. Lila the Werewolf, A Fine and Private Place, and especially Tamsin are among my favorite stories he has written.

[@2mon249]

DUDE!!. The Neverending Story?? I am extremely excited that y'all are watching this one. The rock monster was just awesome. And I just know Amber is going to cry at the horse scene

[@matt_canon]

14:30 When my 1st grade class watched this in 86, they had to stop the movie. This 6=7 year old girl girl that grew up around horses was on the floor sobbing, like her heart was crushed. Every time I watch this part I get that memory.

[@van8ryan]

The director of this, Wolfgang Peterson, actually went to Spielberg to ask advise on re-editing the US version of NEVERENDING STORY (the original German version ran about 20 minutes longer). To thank Spielberg for his help, Peterson gave him the original book prop and the Oryan necklace and apparently, Spielberg still owns both props today.

[@KellyMeding24]

This reaction was a joy to watch. I grew up with this movie. As a child, the whole idea of Fantasia is exactly what I loved most about books, and it's what drew me to writing as a career. Now, watching this with you guys as a 43 year old adult who's experienced a lot of loss in the last few years, it hits differently. I understand a lot more how this is an allegory for grief. And I love that Mrs. Rob (I'm sorry, I can't remember your name!) is a big reader. I've loved books since I was old enough to pick one up.

[@tarlane]

I was an 80s kid with pretty bad depression and this movie was huge for me. Well into my teens my dad would ask 'How do we fight the nothing?'

[@xzonia1]

Glad you fought it off and are here with us today.

[@Jemini4228]

Fiction in general has so much power to help us through bad experiences and emotions and to help us articulate what we are feeling. Hope you are doing well now and that the 'nothing' troubles you less.

[@tahirahshabazz50]

I’m glad your dad noticed

[@i.marchand4655]

The thing about when you finish a book .... You sigh, with some sadness, because it's over; but you also are elated, and strengthened, by how the book made you feel. Eventually, you close the book, raise your head - and there are all these people walking around like nothing has happened.

[@J_Drix]

My VCR probably hated me with the amount of times I played the tape of this movie lol Loved it as a kid, and now as an adult I understand the underlying messages it had the entire time. So glad y’all got to experience this

[@nickperkins8477]

Falkor speaks with the voice of Alan Oppenheimer, who provided the voice for Man-At-Arms, Skeletor and some other characters in Filmation’s animated series He-Man And The Masters of the Universe. The series was still on the air when The Neverending Story first came to theaters in 1984.

[@jeremiahrose4681]

Another good 80's movie is D.A.R.Y.L. (1985) (same child actor). Love that move.

[@scm021374]

Love this movie. "The Dark Crystal" is another good one you should watch. Watched this many many many many many many times as a teenager. The empress is still very beautiful to this day.

[@matthewsuchomski2593]

yea, The Dark Crystal is a good one!

[@sexyambrosia1974]

Ohhhhh yes .. this and labyrinth

[@Spiralsinto]

Yes! The Dark Crystal is a must for sure.

[@carolynquinn8325]

The Dark Crystal, The Labyrinth, and The Last Unicorn - homeruns, every one of them

[@carolynquinn8325]

​@Missy-mb3fq not quite as creepy as the clickety noise the Garthim made tho!

[@aglargalad]

The mindfugg at the end, where we, as a part of the audience watching the movie, realize that while we're following Bastian's story, he, himself, is simultaenously following the adventures of Atreyu in the Neverending Story. Makes you think if there are also Others out there following our OWN stories as they unfold.

[@megster116]

I had forgotten how hardcore “kids” movies were in the eighties! The part with Artax crushed me as a kid! And as an adult you can really get the underlying theme that this whole story is a metaphor for depression and healing. I’m so glad you guys did this one! Fun fact: Noah Hathaway loved the horse who played Artax so much he wanted to keep him after filming. But they couldn’t ship the horse from Germany (the movie was filmed in Munich) back to the states.

[@_nauticaldisaster_]

Speaking of Oompa Loompas the character Teenie Weenie with the racing snail is actor Deep Roy who also played all the Oompa Loompas in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005).

[@kathys7300]

I swear, they made the best movies in the 80’s. I saw this at the drive in movie. I showed it to my kids, and my grandkids!

[@slimgenzy1102]

This was one of my favorite movies growing up. This movie had everything in it. The Artax scene in the Swamp of Sadness is one of the most gut wrenching scenes in all of cinema imo. The turtle scared the hell out of us. Falkor was the 'pet' of our dreams lol. Then imagining a scenario where you as the reader actually had sole input on how the story played out was a fantastic thought. I'm so glad y'all watched this lol.

[@kindredspiritbaseballmom7913]

One of my favorite movies from my childhood! You don't appreciate how deep it is until you watch it as an adult. I didn't know what Bastion's mother's name was until recent years when I could look it up on the Internet. He called out "MoonChild".

[@cmdrdredd]

Moonchild is a name given to people of the astrology sign Cancer, it's ruling planet is the Moon. Cancer is the sign of mothering energy. Bastion's mother died of Cancer in the book.

[@interghost]

Watching this as a kid was amazing back in the 80s. Made you beleive in a world inside books!

[@LukaBlight69]

I remember this movie from my childhood. The Wolf, Gmork scared me when I first watched it. Artax's death tore me apart, but I was so happy when Bastian brought him back to life. Another film I'd reccommend is The Dark Crystal if you have not already reacted to/watched it. Edit: Another thing about Gmork is that: As a kid he scares you because he's intimidating. As an adult he scares you because he is right.

[@matthewsuchomski2593]

yea, The Dark Crystal is a good one!

[@Spiralsinto]

I second The Dark Crystal movie!

[@gregmcdougall7589]

Well said. The Gmork is absolutely right.

[@tobiasmccallum9697]

James and the giant peach is much beter known in the UK because its written (the book) by Roald Dahl one of Britain's most famous childrens authors. Huge respect for loving the movie ❤

[@Grapeseedoil]

I’m in the US & James & the giant peach was popular here when I was growing up in the 80’s. I loved that book. I was so shocked when he said he hadn’t heard of it. But I was unaware a movie was made until now. I have to check it out.

[@shellyphilemon2150]

The name he gave her, his mother’s name, was Moonchild. I didn’t know until Google came along. 😂😂 This is my all-time favorite movie. I’m 47 years old. I grew up watching, & still watch it very regularly. My heart jumped for joy when I saw this post. ❤❤ Love you guys always!!

[@cmdrdredd]

Moonchild is a name given to people of the astrology sign Cancer, it's ruling planet is the Moon. Cancer is the sign of mothering energy. Bastion's mother died of Cancer in the book.

[@rrsafety]

I graduated college in 1987 and this was a maintain of the premium cable stations of the day. We would watch this four or five times a week in the TV room for years. I still cry every time Artax dies, must be over 200 times now!

[@cascade1788]

Thank you for giving this the recognition it deserves Amber, too many reactors just take it as a basic campy fantasy movie but to me it's so much more!

[@VolatileSupernova]

She was so on top of things!

[@agent00asmr]

I saw this in the theater as a kid and it was the most wonderful, magic movie I had ever seen. It's dear to my heart always. The movies with the heroes being bullied, always resonated with me since I was picked on all the time.

[@memyshadow2393]

This is still my fave kids movie. It's so intelligent and existential, kids can understand deep issues if you make it fun and deliver it in a way they can understand. Too many kids movies these days dumb things down. We need to give kids more credit, they can get it ❤ love that you guys love it 😊

[@jordanmcbride9215]

About the bullies, “Life’ll come back to em.” That’s right my guy

[@RiriSkullen]

James and the Giant Peach is based on a book by Roald Dahl, who also wrote Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The Witches, BFG, and tons of other great fantasy stories. It may not be as well known as some of his other works, but I wouldn't say it's obscure. Also, the actor who plays Atreyu starred in another great 80's fantasy movie called Troll (1986). (His character's name was Harry Potter Jr)

[@justanotherdayinthelife9841]

Lol you said it before I could lol

[@lordmortarius538]

"They look like big, good, strong hands, don't they?" When Rockbiter says this it always makes me feel so sad. He failed his friends through no fault of his own, but he can't help but blame himself for what happened to them :(

[@SpanglyAnn]

This, the Labyrinth The Dark Crystal,, and The Princess Bride are such amazing timeless 80's fantasy films. Top 4 favorites of all time of this genre. I still bawl when Artex dies.

[@lisasisson1258]

I've seen this many times. When it first came out, a few times when my son was a kid and now, but this time was the first time I became a further link in the chain of The Never Ending Story. I became a part of your story. So cool! The land of Fantasia is still growing!!! Happy Holidays to you both and embrace all the Fantasy the 🎄Season brings.

[@johnsponheimer6801]

The death of Artax was the single most traumatizing child moment for many of us when we were kids.

[@phinlyn]

Artax's death STILL devastates me even at 42 years old. This was a childhood favorite of mine but I will never get over losing Artax.

[@josephscally6270]

The Neverending Story is a fantasy novel by German writer Michael Ende, published in 1979. The first English translation, by Ralph Manheim, was published in 1983. It was later adapted into a film series. This book and movie are loved by millions.

[@st0n3p0ny]

Pretty sure the terrible sequel was Jack Black's first movie.

[@samuelsamenstrang6069]

@@st0n3p0ny Jack Black is in it? Maybe I will rewatch this desaster.

[@st0n3p0ny]

@@samuelsamenstrang6069 oops, looked it up. He's in TNES 3. Didn't know there was a 3. He's also in Waterworld. Epic cameo.

[@cmdrdredd]

The name at the end was Moonchild. It represented everything he loved about his mother. In the production the German release was kept in mind closely and in the original German dub is Mondenkind. So to not have to shoot the scene twice they asked the actor to shout Moonchild in a way that sounded like it has 3 syllables so it's why it's difficult to understand, especially with the storm in the scene as well. Note: Moon Child is a name given to people of the astrological sign Cancer as the ruling planet is the Moon. Cancer is a sign of mothering energy. Coincidently Bastion's mother died of Cancer.

[@jathygamer8746]

"People who have no hope are easy to control and whoever has the control has the power" - Gmork 🎥 💓 🍿

[@adrianhempfing2042]

Seems just as relevant these days as back then

[@kschneyer]

Lovely reaction, you two, as always. 🙂 Two fun facts. First, the great writer of fantasy & science fiction, Catherynne M. Valente, named her only child Bastian. Second, I was once hired by someone to write a Neverending Story fanfic in the form of a scavenger hunt, which he wanted as a method to propose to his girlfriend.

[@CelestialKitsune13]

This was one of my childhood favorites. It's considered one of the definitive fantasy movies of the time. And like most great fantasy movies of the time Jim Henson Studios had a major part in this movie. Some more great movies from this era are Labyrinth(1986), Legend (1985), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990),The Last Dragon(1985), The Witches (1990), and The Dark Crystal

[@kristigadson6995]

You picked some great, fantastic movies! I do hope their patron folks get them watching these!

[@CelestialKitsune13]

@Kristi Gadson 😂 I was born in 1985 so these are actually all some of my favorite movies growing up. But it's nice to know they've stood the test of time.

[@ninab9969]

I think you would also love the book this is based on. The author is Michael Ende. It was originally written in German, but the English translation is very good, so definitely worth a read. This film covers events from the first third of the book, though a few things were changed and other things were omitted. Interestingly, the book describes looking at the Nothing as a temporary blindness when you look in the direction of where something used to be, as opposed to the movie which shows it as a sort of storm. With the sphinxes and the other gates, the concept is also fundamentally different (and you can't outrun anything). The book is definitely more eerie and much more intense, but also full of so much depth and love. Reading it changed me and I mean that in a very good way.

[@mo_the_stooge_8216]

Neverending Story was one of my absolute favorites growing up. Fantasy was always the genre I gravitated to the most. Labyrinth, Legend, The Dark Crystal, and The Last Unicorn were among the list of movies I consistently watched growing up. Not sure if they were anyone else's favs.

[@silverbane1977]

You missed 1 more, "The Flight of Dragons"

[@mo_the_stooge_8216]

@silverbane1977 I have never seen that. Now....Flight of the Navigator I have seen but not The Flight of Dragons. I will have to look it up.

[@mo_the_stooge_8216]

Oh but I did miss one.....The Secret of NIMH.

[@taneshah.1260]

Labyrinth will never not be my ish. Love that movie.

[@rtracy1216]

And the secret of nimh. With that added, your list rounds out my growing-up favorites too.

[@Kuesel68]

This movie was THE BIG FILM here in Switzerland (and of course Germany where it was produced), the soundtrack by Klaus Doldinger (and also Giorgio Moroder! You just did Donna Summer which he made big, like everyone he worked with) was and still is one of the best of all time. It was directed by Wolfgang Petersen of Das Boot fame. And you can just imagine that there was no teenager at that time not dreaming of the main characters :)

[@patrickdowdle5121]

This is a great film and Tami Stronach as the childlike Empress just breaks your heart . Even though i first saw when i was 20 , i still watch it occasionally and have watched it with my daughter when she was a kid . Another great film do a reaction to is Stardust . Even though he has a small part . Robert De Niro is surprisingly funny in it

[@katherinebaxter6870]

I love stardust! I think they would really like it.

[@carlossaraiva8213]

The actor who played Bastian also starred in another cool 80s children/SF movie called D.A.R.Y.L.

[@BoltManiac]

Time to watch a based-on-a-true story film again. Mask, starting Cher and Sam Elliot and a then unknown Eric Stoltz as Rocky Dennis. Amber, you’ll love it. Don’t confuse it with “The Mask”. This is Mask. The story is Rocky has a cranial disease that disfigured his skull and is progressing

[@aliciazambri4237]

Yes. A sad but great movie, and Cher is really good in it.

[@Sledg0matic]

6-year-old me will never forgive that movie for not being about the Mobile Armored Strike Kommand.

[@oschvelez1]

OMG YES!!! You guys HAVE TO watch Mask with Cher it really is an amazing movie!

[@bernice6867]

I think he has the same desease as the Elephant Man. They were both good movies.

[@s.rry-guld2961]

Ive watched this Movie sooo many times in My life, I love it so much. Even now at 49, I cry during the Artax scene in the Swamps of Sadness and at the end at The Empresses Tower. This movie has gotten Me through some VERY hard times and I thank Yall for sharing yall watching One of My All Time Faves.

[@KarlKraus1]

James and the Giant Peach is a cult classic Disney movie from the 90s and it's one that any 90s kid should've seen many times when they were a kid, like me and Amber It's a story that's from the man who wrote Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (or as you saw earlier this year, WILLY WONKA and the Chocolate Factory) You'll enjoy it Jay it has a creepy atmosphere but you'll get to know some relatable characters I hope you'll get convinced to watch soon

[@blkbirdrook]

My brother and I were in Catholic school and, one day, our teachers led their classes to the convent and had us sit around a tv. We all watched this movie together. It was one time I'll never forget. My brother still remembers and we laugh and reminisce. I'm so glad you both enjoyed the movie as much as our generation did. Thanks for posting :)

[@chrisbutler5975]

Finally! This would be a good one to watch with the kids! Mine are in college and we still watch every Christmas break. Enjoy!

[@patmcgroin6916]

Great for kids and grown up kids. A surprisingly deep little yarn.

[@alrightythen84]

39 year old man. Artax death destroyed me as a child. They knew we needed to feel pain and despair back then to prepare us for life. Stuffs rough.

[@benjaminanderson5263]

Saw this in theaters when a kid. What a movie for its time to see it on the big screen.

[@louella616]

Another fantasy movie is Labyrinth (1986) - David Bowie, Jennifer Connelly. I think you would like this movie

[@CosmicPotato740]

‘People have begun to loose there hopes and forget there dreams. Those without hope are easier to control and whoever has the control has the Power.’ He may be a Villan but he makes an extreamly deep point.. Especially in 2023 we be hitting that crisis

[@shogunn2517]

The death of Artex ranked in the top 3 moments that wrecked the entire childhoods of 80s kids, along with the death of Optimus Prime and Wickett's Ewok friend in Return of the Jedi. Btw, if you didn't know exactly what Bastion wished for at that very moment and didn't wish for the same thing 99 consecutive nights straight yourself you were obviously born after 1986.

[@wichitadisciple9874]

I can never forget Kodo’s death in The Beastmaster.. It tore me up when I was a kid.

[@josemadera3138]

Fuck the ewok lil foots mom still hits to this day

[@yelljal2764]

I'm 19 and James and the Giant Peach was one of my favorites growing up. I was raised on many classics (including this one). Glad my parents have good taste in movies.

[@nsasupporter7557]

Yes I loved it too. It’s unfortunate that it’s not really remembered though

[@mcad1981]

One of my favorite childhood movies! Thank you for reacting to this guys. Next in line of kid’s movies from the 80’s, I recommend Labyrinth with David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly.

[@adrianhempfing2042]

Labyrinth, the 1980s one is a fun film

[@acerdan]

I loved this movie. I was just a young little boy, but man, it just opened up so many thoughts in my brain. I wanted to live in this fantasy land.

[@valderjasmins5757]

One of my childhood favorites movie memories...80s kids for life...

[@francescareliford3941]

I was 9 years old when this movie came out and I've carried the memories of the joy and happiness it gave me my whole life. I consider it my favorite childhood movie of all time 😊

[@pauloles2475]

This movie is spectacular!!! Now you need to watch Labyrinth and Dark Crystal. Two more fantasy MUST SEE movies

[@nsasupporter7557]

Yeah, they should watch more Jim Henson. They need to watch some Muppet movies

[@carmenmonroe7]

Yes!!! The Dark Crystal is beyond belief! Wonderful movie, breathtaking set designs, and amazing puppeteering. The story is so deep and so good!

[@victoriabracken6480]

The Dark Crystal is my absolute favorite movie , I watched it on repeat for at least three months straight. .. maybe longer

[@theduckfromthejoke152]

​@@carmenmonroe7The dark crystal is very devicive i'm just gonna throw that out there .. I personally love that movie but, I could see how some people just aren't into it... And those people really aren't into it l o l...

[@r.j.h.l2031]

Still one of the most moving and impactfu movies I've every watched. Even my children today appreciate the storytelling in this one!

[@charlenelesher1198]

I think you both picked up on all the nuances in this movie. So glad you enjoyed it!❤

[@hughmcbean279]

The actor playing Bastian was in a few other 80s movies. D.A.R.Y.L., was another good one he plays the lead in.

[@louella616]

Suggestion, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe based on the book by CS Lewis. “Most of the novel is set in Narnia, a land of talking animals and mythical creatures that is ruled by the evil White Witch.” Four siblings seem fit to fulfill an old prophecy and find themselves adventuring to save Narnia and their own lives

[@tahirahshabazz50]

Books, movies and shows helped me escape. I had so many book collections, library cards and book clubs growing up. Whenever we moved I would find a library then they started having DVDs in there. I was so happy.

[@wesleybussey5545]

LOVE this movie. I got to see this as a test screening before it's official release with my best friend Melissa. I don't believe they changed anything from the test screening I saw and the official release. I was a young kid...but I will always love this film.

[@shotokanjav]

80s childhood classic!! I was 4 years old when it released in theaters, though it was probably a year or two later when I first saw it. It was one of the films that cemented my love of fantasy, and being a bookworm, I found it very relatable in keeping a spark for imagination. The theme song sung by Limahl was popular also, and recently introduced again thanks to Stranger Things. Glad that both of you enjoyed it as adults, and especially with Amber picking up on some of the more important themes. But as much as this film is a classic, its thematic elements are skimmed through compared to the original novel. Yes, The Neverending Story was originally a German novel published in September 1979 by Michael Ende. It was translated to English in 1983, about a year before the film. The original film itself covers about half of the book. Ende greatly disliked the film, and especially it's ending. In short, he felt that the central meaning was incomplete. Its the reason why his name is not in the credits. In the 2nd half Bastion actually becomes a character in the book and rebuilds Fantasia through the power of his wishes. But his power comes with a cost. So while the first half does emphasize the importance of dreams and imagination to process grief, depression and loss the second half explores having too much of a good thing at the expense of losing one's sense of self and reality. Also Falcor really isn't supposed to look like a dog 😂. I do highly recommend reading the novel. I also recommend on skipping the film sequels, as imo they don't at all do the story justice. The third film is especially insulting to watch. But the original film does still hold up overall. The novel is even better, and it's themes, and the parallel journeys of Atreyu and Bastion, lend themselves as why both the title and the symbol of AURYN as an Ouroboros makes sense and are appropriate.

[@vanessalucas4760]

AAAAHHHHHH you guys finally watched my favourite childhood movie!! What I didn't realise when I first saw it as a young child was that the subject matter they were portraying was exactly what I was dealing with back then, so it's no surprise that I would instantly fall in love with it. I still watch it to this day because not only do I still love the way the story was told, but I also fully understand that it really is about a young boy trying to deal with the sudden loss of his mother, and that if he doesn't hold onto hope he might get consumed by depression. I also realised recently that Gmork is most likely the representation of the black dog that is commonly associated with depression. To this day the Artax scene still makes me cry. Really glad you both enjoyed it!! If you want more movies like this one, I highly recommend "The Dark Crystal" and "Willow".

[@abbafan1972]

The swamps of sadness get me every time! Plus, after all these years I have never found out what name he gives the Empress.

[@imajinallthepurple]

James and the Giant Peach and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are both stories by Roald Dahl, a British author with Norwegian roots. In Denmark we're basically situated between the two countries but I don't think that's why we watched it as kids. 😅 It's definitely a well known and loved movie worldwide. ❤

[@jenkzkh]

fun movie fact. The voice of falcor was done by alan Oppenheimer. If you watch old frosted flakes commercials he was the voice of tony the tiger. He also voiced skelator in he-man

[@frankeez_world6000]

I’m a 48 yr old trucker. And watching that with you brought tears to my eyes. That horse death scene destroys me. Was in the 4th grade when I saw that at school!

[@guyperson6417]

I'm 43 years old. This, The Dark Crystal, and Labyrinth were constant nightmare fuel. Classic VHS rental from the library several times per year.