Wolfgang Petersen's amazing 1984 film was not just telling us that pessimism is rising and creating despair. It told us that there are forces in the world that want people in despair.
Will have to watch this one. Loved this excerpt: Only individuals can think and reason and act. Only individuals have the power to create art and life and beauty, and it’s through this that we create meaning in our lives (and a more beautiful world for others).
This is what the Empress means when she tells Atreyu that only Bastian has the power to stop the Nothing.
The power to defeat its despair exists in each of us, and a good place to start is to recognize that life is a gift and worthy of being treated as a work of art.
I have the itch to watch this again myself. We take turns picking movies for movie night, and I was trying to get my 8 y/o to pick this one a few nights ago.
Have you ever ready Leonard Peikoff’s the DIM Hypothesis, how the lights of the world are going out? This reminded me of his essential points. His central premise is against Nilihsm, and his previous book, Ominous Parallels, does the same type of analysis on Nazi Germany (and, frighteningly enough, on the US).
🫡, Artax. Fantastic article - for real. As a gal very near your own age, and with 2 kids of my own, I've seen the movie quite a few times, and have read the book. Certainly didn't understand it at the age of 9, but as we grow older and learn to "adult," we surely begin to see it.
I really enjoy reading the articles you write about movies, connecting dots that are usually oftentimes missed. Thanks so much!
Great post. Perhaps no President better understood the “Swamps of Sadness” better than Teddy Roosevelt. He knew he had to keep moving! And so he did, powered by buckets of coffee, taking on physical challenge after physical challenge. Because he knew if he stopped he’d sink into the depths of despair. 🇺🇸
I’m sure different people have different reasons for attacking Jordan Peterson, the more discerning critic will take opposition to his Israel cucking rather than his self help messaging.
You don’t mention the book, which made me wonder if you’ve read it? If not, you should- I love it even more than the film. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27712.The_Neverending_Story
I haven't. But I will. I've been on kund of a kick reading books of movies I like. (One I talk about in a post that goes out tomorrow.)
I’d love to hear what you think of it. It was one of those important books of my childhood.
Will have to watch this one. Loved this excerpt: Only individuals can think and reason and act. Only individuals have the power to create art and life and beauty, and it’s through this that we create meaning in our lives (and a more beautiful world for others).
This is what the Empress means when she tells Atreyu that only Bastian has the power to stop the Nothing.
The power to defeat its despair exists in each of us, and a good place to start is to recognize that life is a gift and worthy of being treated as a work of art.
What a brilliant take ... I often think about that movie ...
It's a great flick. (And thanks!)
Thanks so much for this article. I was too old for this "children's movie" in 1984. I'm so glad to finally discover it.
You will enjoy it!
I’d imagine in the 80s, you were sitting Indian-style.
Weird movie. Never liked it, but watched it a bunch of times, wanting to like it.
Well done. Yeah,it’s been one of my favorite movies ever. “These hands”.
It holds up amazingly well.
Brilliant. As a child of the 70s this movie was so amazing. Note to self to watch it again!
Thanks for the kind word.
I have the itch to watch this again myself. We take turns picking movies for movie night, and I was trying to get my 8 y/o to pick this one a few nights ago.
I too have three children and TNES played on rotation on the VCR. Great philosophy, good paced script and loved by my three (and me !)
I liked 2 and 3 as well, perhaps for the good natured humanity that brought delight to us all
Thanks for the review, I will think of it in a new light.
Have you ever ready Leonard Peikoff’s the DIM Hypothesis, how the lights of the world are going out? This reminded me of his essential points. His central premise is against Nilihsm, and his previous book, Ominous Parallels, does the same type of analysis on Nazi Germany (and, frighteningly enough, on the US).
I have not. But I might have to. Peikoff is brilliant.
ARTAX 😭
Brilliant. I loved this movie as a kid, and love this interpretation as an adult. It is never too late to dream another dream.
🫡, Artax. Fantastic article - for real. As a gal very near your own age, and with 2 kids of my own, I've seen the movie quite a few times, and have read the book. Certainly didn't understand it at the age of 9, but as we grow older and learn to "adult," we surely begin to see it.
I really enjoy reading the articles you write about movies, connecting dots that are usually oftentimes missed. Thanks so much!
Thank you, Celena. Your words made my day. I am so glad to hear you like the articles on movies; they are my favorite ones to write.
Great post. Perhaps no President better understood the “Swamps of Sadness” better than Teddy Roosevelt. He knew he had to keep moving! And so he did, powered by buckets of coffee, taking on physical challenge after physical challenge. Because he knew if he stopped he’d sink into the depths of despair. 🇺🇸
Great essay!
I’m sure different people have different reasons for attacking Jordan Peterson, the more discerning critic will take opposition to his Israel cucking rather than his self help messaging.
So you call yourself discerning? Get over yourself.
Lost all credibility when they released Neverending Story 2. Where does it end!?