In 1984, German director Wolfgang Petersen filmed the first half of Michael Ende’s novel. never ending story : Bastien, 10 years old, is obsessed with adventure novels. One day, he steals an amazing work, where extraordinary creatures live. He feverishly plunges into the fantastic world of this book, which fascinates him…
In this way, the filmmaker signs a huge fantasy tale that has become iconic for an entire generation thanks to its beloved characters (the dragon Falkor, the brave Atreyu…), a musical theme that has become a classic of the 80s, but also an amazing sequence. Such was the death of Artax, the young hero’s white horse, absorbed in the swamps of sadness.
Despite the film’s public success, the author of the novel The Neverending Story considers it a bad adaptation and refuses to write it in the credits. However, producer Dieter Geisler plans to create a trilogy around the original work, which he is fighting to regain the rights to.
The second chapter of Bastien’s adventures, loosely adapted from the second half of Michael Ende’s novel, was therefore published six years later. Once again, the young boy seeks refuge and solace in a book carefully guarded by an antique Coriander. He is then transported to a fantasy land where he finds his old friends and the little empress, but there is also a cruel witch and her minions who want to destroy the world of imagination…
This time, Australian George T. Miller was entrusted with the production, and there is a change in the cast – the original actors are already too old for their roles. Jonathan Brandis thus replaces Barrett Oliver in Bastien’s skin, and Kenny Morrison takes on Atreyu’s features instead of Noah Hathaway. Aside from this new cast, The NeverEnding Story II struggles to recapture the charm of its predecessor, leaving fans disappointed. The trilogy concluded in 1995 with The Neverending Story 3, Return to Fantasia, directed by Peter MacDonald.
Want another TV tip tonight? We recommend a movie with de Funes you’ve never heard of.
The Neverending Story II By George Miller with Jonathan Brandy, Kenny Morrison, Clarissa Burt…
Tonight at 6 Ter at 20:50.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
