Recommendations include works from this diverse group: John Waters, Akira Kurosawa, Brian DePalma

THE NEVERENDING STORY

This is a shimmering, glorious adventure, full of silky-maned dragons with opalescent scales and the eyes and soul of a cocker spaniel. Directed by “Das Boot’s” Wolfgang Petersen from the first half of Michael Ende’s intricate fantasy, the 1984 production is a beguiling enchantment with a revolutionary message: The most important world is the inner one, the fortress of our dreams and hopes that can only be reached by books. The hero is a solemn 10-year-old (Barret Oliver) who comes into possession of an amazing book that draws him-and us-into high adventure.

Friday at 8 p.m. KCOP