i be not sure a to call this movie a child drama or a fantasy film . when i first watch this i couldn not really make out the end and that the only part of movie that seem to lack depth and leave me a bit depressed for awhile . then i watch it a second time and realise how great the acting be and be clueless a to why it receive the meager attention it do at the time . unforgettable performance by the young mazzello and wood should have make this film a classic . although the it be probably intend to be a fantasy or drama by the original writer or director ( evans ) and once donner take over he presumably make it with a more dramatical outlook especially the end and which leave a lot to be desire a to what really happen to bobby be he kill . and do he escape and really do all those fantastic journey . and or be it just an imaginary story weave by hank to prove a point to the kid . but in all it do not provide the closure of a happy end that we be so used to in a child film . perhaps it because it not just that . to see what may have be a more classical end check out the official elijah wood site where you will find the first rough draft script of the conclusion of the movie ( presumably by the original writer ) also a note of the music by han zimmer which be one the best soundtrack i have ever hear and a mixture of childish and dark sentiment throughout the movie . a great cd to get hold of if you can .