I think 'The Neverending Story' is a wonderful piece of work. It's not just a story but a journey into a world where dreams and reality blend. The concept of the story within a story keeps you hooked. For example, the relationship between Bastian and the world he discovers is complex and engaging. The book also has some deep themes about growing up, facing fears, and the power of imagination that are relevant even today.
I'm not entirely sure if there are literal synths in 'The NeverEnding Story'. The movie has a very distinct soundtrack. It might have used some early electronic music elements that could be related to synths, but without a detailed analysis of the score, it's hard to say for certain.
The Neverending Story has elements of sadness, like when characters face difficult challenges or part ways. But it also has hope and adventure mixed in.