"Tales from the Neverending Story" (2001) TV series

User Rating:

5.1/10   

Writer:

Karin Howard (writer)

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

6 October 2001 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | Family | Adventure | Fantasy

Plot:

Twelve-year-old Bastian Balthazar Bux had lost the wonderful imagination he had as a child somewhere between growing older...

Plot Keywords:

School | Imagination | Book | Bully | Dragon

Awards:

1 win & 4 nominations

Cast

Mark Rendall	...	Bastian Balthazar Bux (4 episodes, 2001)
John Dunn-Hill	...	Coreander (4 episodes, 2001)
Noël Burton	...	Michael Bux (4 episodes, 2001)
Tyler Hynes	...	Atreyu (3 episodes, 2001)
Victoria Sanchez	...	Xayide (3 episodes, 2001)
Edward Yankie	...	Mr. Blank / ... (3 episodes, 2001)
Stéfanie Buxton	...	Fly Girl (3 episodes, 2001)
Johnny Griffin	...	Connor (3 episodes, 2001)
Brittany Drisdelle	...	Fallon (3 episodes, 2001)
Valérie Chiniara	...	Marley (3 episodes, 2001)
Sally Taylor-Isherwood	...	Yonie (3 episodes, 2001)
Emma Taylor-Isherwood	...	Olano (3 episodes, 2001)
Audrey Gardiner	...	Childlike Empress (2 episodes, 2001)
Stefano Faustini	...	Lucas (2 episodes, 2001)
Jane Wheeler	...	Laura Bux / ... (2 episodes, 2001)
Greg Kramer	...	Rip Rowdy (2 episodes, 2001)
Emma Campbell	...	April (2 episodes, 2001)
Robert Crooks	...	Tartus (2 episodes, 2001)

Also Known As:

"The Neverending Story" (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

Germany:375 min (4 parts)

Country:

Germany | Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Netherlands:AL | Finland:K-7

Filming Locations:

Montréal, Québec, Canada

Company:

MGI Film

Quotes:

Rip Rowdy: If you don't mind my asking, what are you doing here?
Atreyu: What do you mean?
Rip Rowdy: Well, if I was a hero I'd be heading for the Southern Oracle.

Movie Connections:

Version of Die unendliche Geschichte (1984)

A thoroughly enjoyable interpretation of the Neverending Story.

I have been a fan of Michael Ende since childhood and, although this interpretation of the Neverending Story strays from the plot of the book, I still found it delightful to watch. It is beautifully shot with colourful costumes and cinematography. The cast, although young, give wonderfully natural and committed performances. There are some additional characters who add humour and romantic tension where it may have been lacking in Ende's original story. There is more of an exploration of the character of Bastian and his place in the real world, which provides a contrast with the characters in Fantastica. I believe the changes in plot are in keeping with the spirit of the world Ende created. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good fairy tale, regardless of age.