"The NeverEnding Story" - Still Holds Up, Right? (Fantasia Feels)

Okay, fellow film fanatics, Priya here! Just rewatched "The NeverEnding Story" (1984) and I'm flooded with nostalgia. I know, it's probably the most 80s thing imaginable, but seriously, does anyone else still get completely sucked into Fantasia? I get that the special effects are...dated, to put it kindly, but the story itself is just so damn captivating. I'm always struck by how meta the whole thing is - Bastian reading about Atreyu, who's basically saving Imagination itself. And that scene where Atreyu loses Artax in the Swamps of Sadness?! Still gets me every time. Seriously, the emotional gut punch is brutal, even knowing it's coming. Maybe especially because I know it's coming! But here's what I'm wondering: Does the ending work for everyone? I mean, Bastian gets to rename the Empress and basically rebuild Fantasia with his wishes, but did he really learn anything? He seems kinda... drunk with power by the end? I always feel like it's a bit of a cop-out, even though it's supposed to be this triumphant moment. So, what are your thoughts? Am I being too critical of a childhood classic? Or does anyone else feel a little uneasy about Bastian's arc by the credits? Maybe a silly question, but always enjoy fellow fans' perspective! Also, anyone know who actually directed it? It's always been a mystery to me and I'm curious about other related films.