Story
Shrek is the animated story of a grumpy green ogre (voiced by Mike Myers) living a life of solitude in a mucky, slimy swamp – which is just the way he likes it. Then Lord Farquaad (voiced by John Lithgow), the ruler of the Kingdom of Duloc, banishes all fairytale creatures and talking animals from his lands to ensure a pure community.
Displaced and desperate, the three blind mice, Tinkerbell, the three little pigs and many other fairytale creatures end up in Shrek’s swamp looking for a place to live. Unhappy about this, Shrek demands that one of the creatures takes him to Lord Farquaad so he can ‘sort out this mess’. Donkey (Eddie Murphy) offers to take Shrek to meet Farquaad. Farquaad is less than impressed by Shrek’s demands. After Farquaad’s soldiers fail to kill Shrek, Farquaad makes a deal. If Shrek can rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from the castle where she’s being held hostage, Farquaad will ensure that all the fairytale creatures are removed from Shrek’s beloved swamp.
The movie then follows Shrek and Donkey’s adventures as they try to rescue Princess Fiona from a fiery dragon. They must also make the dangerous trip home to deliver feisty Princess Fiona to her Prince Charming.
Themes
Cruel actions and attitudes towards the ogres and magical creatures
Violence
This movie has some violence. For example:
Sexual references
This movie has some sexual references. For example:
- There’s a tall building that Lord Farquaad has built to ‘compensate for something’.
- Shrek and Princess Fiona flirt throughout the movie. For example, Princess Fiona falls on Shrek and they look at each other as if they’re about to kiss.
Alcohol, drugs and other substances
There’s one example of substance use in this movie, when Lord Farquaad drinks a cocktail.
Nudity and sexual activity
This movie has some nudity and sexual activity. For example:
- When Shrek has a shower in his swamp, the top of his bare bottom is shown.
- Lord Farquaad is in bed alone with no top on and his chest showing.
- Shrek and Princess Fiona kiss.
Product placement
There is no product placement in this movie, but a large amount of associated merchandise, including food, is marketed to children.
Coarse language
This movie has some mild coarse language.
Ideas to discuss with your children
Shrek is an animated family comedy about an unlikely hero, a faraway princess and the journey they take to find true love.
The main messages from this movie are about following your heart and not judging someone based on how they look.
Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include friendship, forgiveness, bravery and standing up for what you believe.
This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about real-life issues such as discriminating against people who are different.