Released in 2001, Shrek is a revolutionary, subversive fairy-tale comedy that forever changed the landscape of modern animated cinema.
Based loosely on William Steig’s picture book, the film follows a grumpy, solitary ogre named Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) whose peaceful swamp is suddenly invaded by an array of fairytale creatures exiled by the tyrannical Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). To get his swamp back, Shrek strikes a deal with Farquaad: he must rescue the fierce Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from a dragon-guarded tower, accompanied by an overly talkative, relentlessly upbeat Donkey (Eddie Murphy).
What makes Shrek an enduring masterpiece is its brilliant blend of heartwarming storytelling and biting satire, which gleefully pokes fun at classic Disney tropes, pop-culture clichés, and fairy-tale wholesomeness.
Backed by an iconic, trend-setting soundtrack—featuring Smash Mouth‘s “All Star”—and groundbreaking CGI for its time, the film delivers a timeless message about inner beauty, self-acceptance, and finding family in unexpected places. It captured the cultural zeitgeist, becoming the first-ever Academy Award winner for Best Animated Feature, and cemented its legacy as a beloved, quotable classic for all ages.
Animation, Adventure, Comedy
United States, Canada, Sweden (English) 90 Min
