Fantasy Films Where Poetry Reigns Supreme

Description: A boy discovers a magical book that transports him into the world of Fantasia, where he must help save the Childlike Empress from the Nothing. The film's poetic narration and the theme of stories within stories make it a fitting addition.

Fact: The song "The NeverEnding Story" by Limahl became a hit, and the film's ending was changed for the American release to be more uplifting.

Description: This beloved film blends fairy-tale romance with swashbuckling adventure, all narrated in a style that feels like a bedtime story. The poetic dialogue and the framing device of a grandfather reading to his grandson make it a perfect fit for this collection.

Fact: The film was adapted from William Goldman's novel, which itself is a playful homage to classic fairy tales. The famous line "As you wish" became synonymous with true love.

Description: This film by Dave McKean and Neil Gaiman explores a dreamlike world where a young girl must navigate through a surreal landscape to save her mother. The visual poetry of the film's design and the narrative's dream logic make it a unique entry.

Fact: The film was produced by the Jim Henson Company, continuing their legacy of imaginative storytelling.

Description: This animated film follows a brave mouse named Despereaux, who loves books and stories. The film's narrative structure, which includes tales within tales, and its focus on the power of words and imagination, align perfectly with the theme of poetic fantasy.

Fact: The film features the voices of notable actors like Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, and Emma Watson, bringing depth to the characters.

Description: Guillermo del Toro's dark fantasy intertwines a young girl's escape into a magical world with the harsh realities of post-Civil War Spain. The film's poetic storytelling and the use of fairy tales as metaphors for real-life struggles make it a profound entry.

Fact: The film was shot in English and Spanish, with the English version dubbed by the original actors, ensuring authenticity in both languages.

Description: A story within a story, where a stuntman in a hospital tells a fantastical tale to a young girl, blending reality with a poetic, dreamlike narrative. The film's visual style and storytelling method are deeply poetic.

Fact: The film was shot in 28 countries, and the director, Tarsem Singh, used no CGI, relying instead on real locations and practical effects.

Description: Based on Neil Gaiman's novel, this film tells the tale of a young man's quest to retrieve a fallen star, encountering witches, pirates, and magical beings along the way. The story's poetic narration and the use of rhyming spells add a lyrical quality to the adventure.

Fact: The film features a cameo by Neil Gaiman himself, and the star, Yvaine, was originally a male character in the book but was changed to female for the movie.

Description: This Jim Henson creation uses puppetry to tell a story of a world where magic and prophecy are intertwined. The film's narrative has a poetic rhythm, with the Gelflings' quest to restore balance to their world echoing themes of destiny and poetry.

Fact: The film was one of the first to use extensive animatronics and puppetry, requiring over 100 puppeteers to bring the creatures to life.

Description: This animated film tells the story of a young boy in a medieval Irish abbey who discovers the Book of Kells. The film's visual style, inspired by Celtic art, and its narrative about the power of art and poetry, make it a standout.

Fact: The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, showcasing its global appeal.

Description: Terry Gilliam's film features a traveling theatre troupe whose leader, Doctor Parnassus, has made a deal with the Devil. The film's exploration of imagination and the power of storytelling is presented in a visually poetic manner.

Fact: Following Heath Ledger's death, his role was completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell, each playing different versions of his character.