Okay, 'The NeverEnding Story' STILL Makes Me Cry, Okay??

Alright, so I just rewatched 'The NeverEnding Story' (1984) and I'm a MESS. Seriously, I know it's a kid's movie but it hits different as an adult, you know? I forgot how DARK it actually is! Bastian escaping into the book to avoid his grief over his mom... that's REAL. Little Megan felt bad for him, but adult Megan KNOWS that feel. And then Fantasia is LITERALLY DYING because people are losing hope and imagination? Ouch. And ATREYU! Oh my god, that poor kid! The Swamps of Sadness GETS ME EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Artax drowning in the mud? I swear, it's like they WANT to traumatize us. I was SOBBING. Honestly, Noah Hathaway's performance is so good, he really sells the desperation and the weight of the world on his little shoulders. Falcor's cool and all, but Atreyu is the real hero imo. I also think the Nothing is a pretty good metaphor for depression? I can't explain it, but it just makes sense to me. It slowly erases everything, leaving emptiness behind. I love how Bastian finally saves Fantasia by using his imagination and believing in himself (and giving the Empress a new name). It's a corny message, sure, but it's a message I needed to hear today! Did anyone ever wish they could just, like, jump into the book and help Atreyu? Or is that just me? Also, side note: The theme song is still stuck in my head, lol. Anyway, go watch it. Bring tissues. Just... be prepared to FEEL things.