The NeverEnding Story

Source: http://www.neverendingstory.com/
Released: 1984
Directed by: Wolfgang Peterson
Starring: Barret Oliver, Noah Hathaway, Tami Stronach

The NeverEnding Story is a touching movie about a young boy (Bastian) who is lonely and bullied at school and neglected by his father after the death of his mother. While hiding from some bullies one day, he finds himself in a bookstore. In this bookstore, an old book is revealed to him by the storekeeper.  He borrows this book and hides in the attic of his school and begins reading.  He reads through the day and all night and as he reads he realizes he is becoming part of the story.  The characters in the story can even hear him yell.  As he reads, he is led along an adventure to save the mystical land of Fantasia from "the Nothing" which threatens to destroy it.  He learns important lessons throughout this adventure which give him the self-esteem and confidence to be himself.

This movie has been a favorite of mine since I was a young girl.  The lessons it teachs and the motivation it evokes are amazing and so uplifting. I always feel more confident and pumped up after watching it.