Get Shreked!
The Dreamworks animation masterpiece Shrek may have been released nearly sixteen-years ago, but everytime I watch it I always find myself enjoying the film as if it was the first. While I’m not as enthusiastic about the multiple sequels and spin-offs of the franchise, nothing can surpass the orginial 2001 feature film. Full of humor, diverse and complex characters, and a story that’s all its own, there is no shortage of creativity and attention-grabbing content.
Shrek, taken at surface value, is a prime example of the hero’s journey. The main character, Shrek (voiced by Mike Meyers), is a solitary ogre living in a fairytale world and instills fear into the hearts of the local peasantry. He seeks out the notorious Lord Farquaad in the make-believe fortress called Duloc when his swamp is overrun with refugee storybook creatures (dawrves, fairies, etc) after Farquaad orders them to evacuate from their homes. A deal is made between Farquaad and Shrek to rescue a princess in exchange for a restored swamp. However, throughout his journey, Shrek becomes friends with a talking Donkey and realizes that he in order to be truly happy, he needs to change his life.
As cheesy as the plot sounds, the little details and layers to the film accentuate its uniqueness and complexity. Have you ever heard of an ogre and talking donkey becoming best friends? Or a story where the “bad” guy is simply misunderstood and stigmatized. Shrek may be, well, ogre-ish, but throughout the movie, he reveals a softer and more sensitive side to him. He deals with many of the same self-esteem issues that we experience ourselves and he receives discrimination, prejudice, and ostracization from his community, which has had a negative effect on his character.
In a way, this film can also be considered to be a bilingsdunroman. Shrek learns through the people and creatures that he meets that beauty comes from within and other people’s perceptions do not have to define who you are. In fairytales, everyone plays a stereotyped role — the damsel in distress, the knight in shining armor, the vicious and scary ogre — but eventually, Shrek (and his love interest, Fiona) both come to the realization that it’s ok to stray from the norm and to embrace who they truly are. In finding love and companionship, Shrek also found happiness and a purpose greater than simply to live alone in a smelly, isolated swamp.
I grew up watching this movie and as I’m getting older, I realize that the lessons taught in this movie have real-life applications. For example, this movie strongly emphasizes the point that we should not allow for prejudice to dictate how we perceive ourselves. This movie also sends a strong message to embrace who you are as an individual, not hide it (referring to Fiona who would hide herself when she would turn into an ogre every night). Often, when we are growing up, the pressures to fit in and feel accepted overpower the need to express oneself. It can take years to build up one’s self-esteem and even then, it can be easily shattered by the words and actions of others. The message that beauty comes from within is one that should be spread more and what’s a more perfect vehicle to do so than through a “children’s” movie?
Aside from the life lessons, this movie is comically funny and witty and the cast couldn’t have been more perfectly matched. There are the obvious, slap-stick scenes and sarcastic comments throughout, but there are also adult-themed jokes that completely went over my head as a child. Eddie Murphy and Mike Meyers (Shrek and Donkey) make an awesome and unlikely duo. Donkey is extremely friendly, energetic, and chatty whereas Shrek is the exact opposite. I love the dichotomy between the two and the way that they end up supporting each other. I think Murphy and Meyers were excellent choices for these characters because the way they speak greatly reflect the personalities of their respective characters; Murphy is known for being loud and outspoken whereas Meyers adopted a Scottish accent to set Shrek apart from the rest of the characters in the film.
I love this movie because of the dynamic characters, iconic soundtrack, and witty humor. It’s not only a great family movie, but also one for those who feel a bit lost and low on self-esteem. It’s easy to follow but tackles tricky social issues that need to be addressed. The creativity and technological talent that went into making this film is impressive as well. Overall, Shrek stands out from other children movies as it handles complex issues in an easy to digest 90 minute feature film while still retaining an entertaining sense of humor and plot development.
