one-nine-eighty This is one of those unique films I've watched as a child under the age of 10 in the 80's and as a grown man in my late 30's. I grew up abroad so further to the unique factors I can add that I've seen the film in English and in German - so I have seen both the major versions (although there aren't many differences truth be told). If you'd have asked me as a child what I thought of this I'd have been full of positives and compliments. It had good guys, bad guys, warriors, monsters and even a furry flying dragon/dog thing. It showed how a bullied bookworm dealt with his problems and became a hero in his own world. I'd have probably given this about 8 out of 10 (beaten of course by Transformers and He-Man movies). As a 35+ year old I can see all the flaws that I never saw as a child. For example, the bullied child steals a book from an old man, he cuts class to avoid a maths test, and then he breaks into a forbidden part of the school before emerging himself in a fantasy world - he's a psychologist's dream case!! OK, aside from the bad lifestyle choices this is still an enjoyable film; it got a surprising pace to it for a film of its era, almost constantly on the move. The film follows a young child reading a book but living the adventure that he's reading until he becomes part of the adventure. He learns a lot about himself on the fantastical journey that he is witness to, either vicariously through the book or in the world that is created as a result of the story. I remember the CGI at the time was unparalleled; looking back it's terrible and dated. My girlfriend has read the book and as a purist when it comes to entertainment media, when we re-watched this film as adults she remarked how the film was different from the book a few times. Reading trivia about the film I can see why and where too but let's face it, not everybody is going to know what or where. If I stop being an adult for a minute I can actually still appreciate that this film is ok, even begrudgingly by today's standards. I'd probably give the film 7 out of 10 nowadays so all in all when you roll that up with the 8 out of 10 I'd have given it as a child, this film scores alright still. Suspend your disbelief or put your child in front of this film and there's still enjoyment to be had. As I can't award half stars I'm going to make a stand and award this 7 out of 10.

lanckenj I remember watching this as a much younger lass than I am now. At that time it was magical and now in my late 50's it still is. It would have to be the movie that started the incredible journey of fantasy animatrics that everyone expects today. I applaud and admire the folks in every area who were involved in making this film. Thank you! Its one of my again and again watch films. :)

Kirpianuscus not the best adaptation. but useful one as beautiful invitation to discover the book. because, far to be the most inspired, it preserves the spirit and the delicacy and the pieces of unique images from a book who remains, for many of its readers, real special. and this is the most important thing in this case. to remind fundamental values. to rediscover great characters. to redefine small things. to preserve the magic of childhood. it was one of the first films viewed by me after the 1989 Romanian revolution. and, after 27 years ago, it remains more than a beautiful memory, associated with the freedom, it is one of the most accurate definition of it. so, a beautiful film. maybe, useful for its young public.

freddy-41-529926 This movie and the book, are focused on a true worthy and deep message. A message so simple yet so true we will tend to discard it as childish. YET that is where the message focuses on: LIVE! Stop meandering on "keeping your foot on the ground". Complying with a world that leaves you empty.Remember your childhood recover that inner happiness, love and sense of well being We all were born with.In many places it is said we should "be like children". Psychologists ask us to remember and recover the days of our youth since those were the most pleasant years in our lives. Precious years of no worries or sorrow.. This book does exactly that. Precisely why it was oriented towards kids, in the hope we all could get the message.LiVe LoVe LaUgh! Be yourself not a product of society.