The Unlikely Friendship, Reelive

Donkey
Donkey

Hey, hey, hey! Are you gonna eat that?

Shrek
Shrek

No, it's for you.

Donkey
Donkey

Oh, yeah? You gonna eat that?

Shrek
Shrek

No, I'm not gonna eat it!

Donkey
Donkey

You want me to come with you?

Shrek
Shrek

No! Now go away!

Donkey
Donkey

I’ll be your best friend!

Shrek
Shrek

I already have enough friends, thank you.

Donkey
Donkey

But I'm a talking donkey!

Shrek
Shrek

I don’t need a talking donkey!

The Princess and the Ogres, Reelive

Fiona
Fiona

You know, I’m not your typical princess.

Shrek
Shrek

Yeah, I noticed. You’re not wearing a fancy dress.

Donkey
Donkey

And she don’t have any prince charming!

Fiona
Fiona

I’m just looking for someone who will accept me as I am.

Shrek
Shrek

Good luck with that.

Donkey
Donkey

Why not just stay free and not get all prince-y?

Fiona's Secret, Reelive

Fiona
Fiona

I have a curse.

Shrek
Shrek

What kind of curse?

Fiona
Fiona

I turn into an ogre every night.

Shrek
Shrek

That’s not a curse! That's just life.

Fiona
Fiona

You don't understand!

Shrek
Shrek

Try me.

True Love's Kiss, Reelive

Shrek
Shrek

Fiona, I love you.

Fiona
Fiona

But I’m a beast at night!

Shrek
Shrek

That doesn't matter to me.

Fiona
Fiona

Really?

Shrek
Shrek

You’re beautiful just the way you are.

Fiona
Fiona

Then kiss me!

To a Friend, Reelive

Shrek
Shrek

Sometimes I wish I could be alone.

Donkey
Donkey

But you don’t want to be alone, do you?

Shrek
Shrek

No. I mean... not really.

Donkey
Donkey

See? Even ogres need friends!

Shrek
Shrek

You’re not so bad for a donkey.

Donkey
Donkey

You’re not so bad for an ogre!

The Big Bad Wolf, Reelive

Big Bad Wolf
Big Bad Wolf

What’s going on here?

Donkey
Donkey

We’re having a party!

Shrek
Shrek

No, we’re just trying to sleep!

Big Bad Wolf
Big Bad Wolf

Party? Can I come?

Donkey
Donkey

Only if you bring snacks!

Shrek
Shrek

No snacks!

Just a Dream, Reelive

Donkey
Donkey

I had a dream!

Shrek
Shrek

What was it about?

Donkey
Donkey

Being a stallion!

Shrek
Shrek

Why would you want that?

Donkey
Donkey

So I could run free!

Shrek
Shrek

You can do that if you just believe.

The Rescue, Reelive

Shrek
Shrek

I’m here to rescue you.

Fiona
Fiona

You mean to tell me you’re an ogre?

Donkey
Donkey

Oh yeah, he’s big and green!

Shrek
Shrek

Can we do this later?

Fiona
Fiona

Fine.

Donkey
Donkey

Rescue on the double!

Just Shrek, Reelive

Shrek
Shrek

Don’t judge me!

Donkey
Donkey

I’m not judging! I’m just saying!

Shrek
Shrek

Just saying what?

Donkey
Donkey

Just saying you’re Shrek!

Shrek
Shrek

And that’s enough!

Who's the Real Monster?, Reelive

Shrek
Shrek

What if I’m the real monster?

Fiona
Fiona

You’re not a monster!

Shrek
Shrek

Then what am I?

Fiona
Fiona

You’re my love.

Shrek
Shrek

And that’s all I need?

You’re Not Alone, Reelive

Donkey
Donkey

You don’t have to be alone!

Shrek
Shrek

I prefer it that way.

Donkey
Donkey

But I’m here! You can count on me!

Shrek
Shrek

Why do you care?

Donkey
Donkey

Because you’re my friend!

The Happily Ever After, Reelive

Shrek
Shrek

So this is it?

Fiona
Fiona

Yes, this is us.

Shrek
Shrek

I finally feel free.

Donkey
Donkey

Free to be you! Free to be me!

Fiona
Fiona

We’ll face anything together!

Trying to Fit In, Reelive

Donkey
Donkey

Just give them a chance!

Shrek
Shrek

They’ll just see me as a monster.

Donkey
Donkey

You’re more than that!

Shrek
Shrek

What if I don’t want to fit in?

Donkey
Donkey

You don’t need to change for anyone!

The Value of Friendship, Reelive

Shrek
Shrek

Remember when I told you to leave?

Donkey
Donkey

Yeah, but you didn’t really mean it!

Shrek
Shrek

I thought I did!

Donkey
Donkey

You missed me!

Shrek
Shrek

Maybe just a little.

A Change of Heart, Reelive

Fiona
Fiona

Do you really see me?

Shrek
Shrek

I see you for who you are.

Fiona
Fiona

And who’s that?

Shrek
Shrek

An amazing princess.

Fiona
Fiona

What about an ogre?

Shrek
Shrek

The biggest heart I know.

The Choose, Reelive

Donkey
Donkey

You have to choose!

Shrek
Shrek

Choose what?

Donkey
Donkey

Choose happiness!

Shrek
Shrek

Isn’t that selfish?

Donkey
Donkey

No! It’s necessary!

The Facade, Reelive

Shrek
Shrek

I’m not a prince.

Fiona
Fiona

You don’t have to be.

Shrek
Shrek

What if I fail?

Fiona
Fiona

You won’t fail if you’re being true.

Shrek
Shrek

And is that enough?

Fiona
Fiona

It’s more than enough.

The Here's to Us, Reelive

Shrek
Shrek

Here’s to our adventure!

Donkey
Donkey

And to friendship!

Fiona
Fiona

To being true to ourselves!

Shrek
Shrek

And saying goodbye to the past!

Donkey
Donkey

Huzzah!

What Defines You?, Reelive

Shrek
Shrek

What if they call me a monster?

Fiona
Fiona

You’re not a monster.

Shrek
Shrek

But how do I know?

Fiona
Fiona

You know because you believe in you.

Shrek
Shrek

So, I’m just Shrek?

Fiona
Fiona

Exactly.

Shrek

Ogres are like onions. They have layers.

Shrek

Shrek, Reelive
Shrek

What’s your problem? You’re gonna die alone, you know that?

Shrek

Shrek, Reelive
Shrek

Just because you’re not like them doesn’t mean you’re not a part of them.

Shrek

Shrek, Reelive
Shrek

I’m not a puppet! I'm a real boy!

Shrek

Shrek, Reelive
Shrek

You know, I could see why you’d be worried. I’m just a big, ugly, green ogre.

Shrek

Shrek, Reelive
Donkey

Somebody once told me the world was gonna roll me. I ain't the sharpest tool in the shed.

Donkey

Shrek, Reelive
Donkey

You got to be kidding me! You’ve got to be kidding me!

Donkey

Shrek, Reelive
Shrek

This is my swamp!

Shrek

Shrek, Reelive
Shrek

I’m a believer! I couldn’t leave her if I tried.

Shrek

Shrek, Reelive
Shrek

You think I’m an ugly monster? You think I’m not worthy of love?

Shrek

Shrek, Reelive
Kermit the Frog (cameo)

It’s not easy being green.

Kermit the Frog (cameo)

Shrek, Reelive
Shrek

Fiona, I love you. I’m not a monster.

Shrek

Shrek, Reelive
Fiona

You think that’s all it takes? A little love magic?

Fiona

Shrek, Reelive
Donkey

Ah, the art of conversation. A lost art.

Donkey

Shrek, Reelive
Fiona

You’re not a monster. You’re just a big, silly green ogre!

Fiona

Shrek, Reelive
Donkey

This is so much fun! I could do this all day!

Donkey

Shrek, Reelive
Shrek

You’re just like everyone else; you see a big green ogre and you freak out.

Shrek

Shrek, Reelive
Fiona

You can’t just sit around waiting for someone to come and rescue you.

Fiona

Shrek, Reelive
Shrek

But I'm not a monster, I'm just an ogre!

Shrek

Shrek, Reelive
Shrek

You’re a donkey! You can’t just say whatever you want!

Shrek

Shrek, Reelive
Donkey

You know, you really have a way with words.

Donkey

Shrek, Reelive
Shrek

Why can’t you see that you’re beautiful?

Shrek

Shrek, Reelive
Donkey

We’re like a big, happy family.

Donkey

Shrek, Reelive

All Star

All Star by Smash Mouth, Played during the opening scene as Shrek leaves his swamp

Hallelujah

Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright, Played during a poignant moment when Shrek and Fiona bond

I'm a Believer

I'm a Believer by Smash Mouth, Played during the ending scene during the wedding

Somebody Once Told Me

Somebody Once Told Me by Smash Mouth, Opening credits sequence

All Star (Shrek Remix)

All Star (Shrek Remix) by Smash Mouth, Played during various comedic moments throughout the film


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Shrek's Lonely Life

In the beginning, we see Shrek living alone in his swamp, enjoying his solitude. He relishes the quiet life but is also clearly isolated. This leads up to him being challenged when fairy tale creatures invade his home, prompting him to confront his loneliness and the world outside his swamp.

Context: This moment sets the stage for Shrek’s character. He's a grumpy ogre who initially prefers solitude, but this independence is tested when his peace is disturbed.

Donkey's Introduction

Shrek meets Donkey, who annoyingly insists on following him. The pivotal moment is when Shrek confronts Donkey, shouting, 'Get out of my swamp!' This captures Shrek's frustration and desire for peace but also shows Donkey's persistence.

Context: This scene establishes the unlikely friendship that will develop throughout the film, highlighting themes of acceptance and friendship.

Rescue of Princess Fiona

Shrek and Donkey storm into the dragon-guarded castle to rescue Fiona. The moment Shrek sees her for the first time is magical. However, when he discovers she’s not just a damsel in distress, but has her own fierce side, it shifts the dynamic completely.

Context: This scene reflects Shrek's growth as he realizes that not all princesses are what they seem, and it starts to challenge his perceptions of love.

Fiona's Secret

During the night, Fiona transforms into an ogre. The pivotal scene happens when Shrek finds out about her curse. The dialogue reveals her insecurity about being seen as beautiful despite her enchantment.

Context: This moment deepens Fiona's character and adds layers to her relationship with Shrek, exploring themes of true beauty and acceptance.

The Big Fight

After Fiona and Shrek have a fight, he leaves her. The climax of their argument reveals their hidden fears and desires. Shrek’s insecurity leads to him pushing her away, representing a turning point in their relationship.

Context: This scene highlights the struggle between personal insecurities and the vulnerability that comes with love.

Shrek's 'I’m a Monster' Speech

Feeling heartbroken, Shrek tells Donkey, 'I’m not a puppet, I’m not a doll... I’m an ogre.' This moment showcases Shrek’s self-acceptance and frustration with others' perceptions of him.

Context: This scene is pivotal for Shrek's character development, marking a realization about embracing his identity.

The Wedding Interrupted

As Fiona prepares to marry Prince Charming, Shrek crashes the wedding, declaring his love. The moment is charged with tension and vulnerability as he professes, 'I love you, Fiona.'

Context: This interruption shows Shrek's emotional growth and highlights that love isn’t about appearances but truths.

Fiona Transforms

During the climax, Fiona finally accepts her ogre form. The poignant moment when she says, 'I’m not a princess, I’m an ogre,' signifies her self-acceptance and love for Shrek.

Context: This scene is crucial as it ties together the film's themes of love, acceptance, and true beauty.

Donkey's Loyalty

Donkey risks his life to save Shrek and Fiona from the dragon. His brave act shows the depth of their friendship and brings warmth to the climax.

Context: This moment underlines the theme of loyalty and the importance of having friends in our lives.

The Final Battle

In the final showdown against Prince Charming and the minions, Shrek and Fiona fight together, showcasing their bond as partners. The moment is full of comedic action that displays mutual respect.

Context: This battle defines their relationship as equal partners and shows how they've both grown throughout the story.

True Love's Kiss

The kiss between Shrek and Fiona breaks her curse, proving that true love is acceptance of each other's flaws. The magical transformation feels liberating and joyful.

Context: This moment encapsulates the film’s central message about love transcending appearances.

Shrek's Realization

Shrek, realizing he loves Fiona, speaks to the audience, saying, 'What’s the point of being an ogre if I can't be with you?' This moment grounds the film in honesty and vulnerability.

Context: This scene crystallizes Shrek's character arc, revealing his deep feelings for Fiona and his acceptance of love.

The 'Happy Ever After'

The closing scene features Shrek and Fiona living happily in their swamp. They look towards the future, suggesting a blend of normalcy with their unique quirks.

Context: This brings the story full circle, highlighting how they both found belonging in each other despite their differences.

Fiona's Independence

When Fiona stands up to the guards, showcasing her strength as an independent woman, it emphasizes her character growth from a sheltered princess to a confident ogre.

Context: This moment reflects the film's exploration of gender roles and empowerment.

Shrek's Feelings Towards Donkey

In a vulnerable moment, Shrek admits he values Donkey’s friendship, saying, 'You're my best friend.' This moment is sweet and solidifies their loyal bond.

Context: This deepens the theme of friendship throughout the film, illustrating that it’s heart connections that matter.

The Storybook Opening

The film opens with a fairytale book narration, leading to the reveal of Shrek’s swamp as the setting. It sets the tone for the film and sparks curiosity.

Context: This introduction immediately establishes expectations, only to subvert them, making it humorous and engaging.

The Gingerbread Man Scene

The interrogation scene with the Gingerbread Man provides comic relief before a serious turn. Shrek's unexpected kindness towards the Gingerbread Man highlights his changing nature.

Context: This blend of comedy and emotional depth showcases the film's unique storytelling style.

The Spinning Teacups

Shrek’s awkward attempt at romance with Fiona during the spinning teacups reflects their developing bond, emphasizing the blend of fun and romance.

Context: This moment captures how love can be both fun and challenging.

The Dragon's Affection

The moment when the dragon falls in love with Donkey adds a whimsical layer to the movie. Their unexpected romance brings humor and charm.

Context: This subplot adds a layer of complexity to the narrative while reinforcing the themes of love.

The 'Ogre is Like an Onion' Speech

Shrek’s explanation that ogres are like onions—having layers—beautifully conveys the film's theme that everyone has depth beneath the surface.

Context: This iconic moment is one of the film's heartwarming messages, emphasizing that true beauty lies within.

Fiona's Song

Fiona sings about her dream of true love, revealing her vulnerabilities. The song's heartfelt lyrics convey her hopes and fears, connecting the audience to her struggle.

Context: This song ties in with Fiona's character arc about accepting her true self.

Shrek and Fiona's Dance

After overcoming their fights, Shrek and Fiona share a tender dance under the moonlight. This moment of intimacy solidifies their bond and emotional connection.

Context: This scene showcases love in its purest form, highlighting the journey they’ve taken to find happiness together.

The Mirror Scene

The fairy tale mirror scene, where characters see their unrealistic ideals, serves as a critique of societal standards. It showcases the pressures that come with beauty.

Context: This scene is significant as it underlines the film’s focus on self-acceptance and individuality.

Donkey's 'I Can Talk' Moment

When Donkey cries out, 'I can talk!', it’s not just funny; it’s a profound reflection on being heard and acknowledged, echoing his desire for friendship.

Context: This signifies Donkey’s integral role in the film, showcasing loyalty and companionship.

Shrek's Swamp Party

The concluding party at Shrek’s swamp symbolizes newfound joy and acceptance, leaving the audience with a finishing touch of happiness.

Context: This communal celebration demonstrates the importance of relationships and welcoming others into our lives.


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Casting of Mike Myers

Mike Myers originally recorded all of Shrek's dialogue with a different voice, which was more traditional and deep. About halfway through, he decided to re-record while adopting a Scottish accent, believing it added more character to the role.

Why it matters: This decision provided Shrek with a unique charm and whimsical nature, making the character more memorable. The Scottish accent became iconic and is often referred to in discussions about the film's legacy.

Designing Donkey

The character of Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy, was initially intended to be more of a sidekick without much personality, but his comedic improvisation during recording transformed him into a vital partner to Shrek.

Why it matters: Murphy's improvisation not only enhanced the humor in the film but also solidified Donkey's role as a beloved character, adding depth to the dynamic between him and Shrek that resonated with audiences.

Technical Innovations

Shrek was one of the first feature films to use entirely digital animation, a monumental shift in the animation industry, allowing for greater creativity and opportunities for storytelling.

Why it matters: The use of digital animation set a new standard for animated films and showcased the potential for storytelling in ways that traditional animation could not, influencing countless films that followed.

The 'Ogre' Makeup

The production team utilized a combination of 2D and 3D techniques to create Shrek's character design, focusing on elements that made him both intimidating and endearing.

Why it matters: This unique character design allowed Shrek to be relatable despite his appearance, effectively conveying themes of acceptance and the idea that beauty is more than skin deep.

Cameron Diaz as Fiona

Cameron Diaz’s initial audition for the role of Princess Fiona was so convincing that it led to instantaneous casting, despite early uncertainty over whether she would commit to voicing the animated character.

Why it matters: Diaz's casting lent the character both charm and vulnerability, influencing how the audience perceives Fiona's journey from a damsel in distress to a strong-willed and empowered character.

Puss in Boots Introduction

Puss in Boots was not part of the original storyline for the first Shrek film but became a pivotal character later in the franchise after his popularity in 'Shrek 2'.

Why it matters: His late addition showcased the franchise's ability to adapt and evolve based on character popularity, reinforcing the notion that Shrek’s universe is dynamic and versatile.

Soundtrack Success

The soundtrack for Shrek, featuring hits like 'All Star' by Smash Mouth, was carefully curated to mix contemporary and classic tracks, further engaging audiences of all ages.

Why it matters: The soundtrack's popularity helped to bolster the film’s emotional moments and comedic undertones, contributing to its cultural impact and renewed interest in the artists featured.

Fiona’s Transformation

The physical transformation of Fiona into an ogre was animated with subtlety, reflecting her self-acceptance and true identity. Animators studied real-life reactions to design her expressions.

Why it matters: Fiona's change underscores the film’s themes about self-acceptance and the importance of inner beauty over outer appearances, resonating with audiences on a personal level.

Subtle Social Commentary

Shrek's script incorporates humor that critiques fairy tale conventions, poking fun at tropes and clichés prevalent in classic animated films.

Why it matters: This satire not only made the film accessible to adult audiences but also introduced deeper layers of interpretation regarding societal norms and expectations.

The Dragon's Design

The dragon character was created by animating both men and women to distinguish between the two genders in the dragon’s movements, leading to a more fluid and dynamic portrayal.

Why it matters: This attention to detail contributed to the complexity of the dragon character, elevating her from a stereotypical 'monster' trope to a significant and relatable character within the story.

The Use of Fairy Tale Characters

Classic fairy tale characters were reimagined in unconventional ways that broke traditional stereotypes—Three Little Pigs become streetwise, and the Big Bad Wolf wears a granny outfit.

Why it matters: These humorous reimaginings not only provided comic relief but also challenged audiences to view these classic characters from a fresh perspective, enhancing the film’s appeal.

Animation Process

Animators often worked late nights, and out of sheer dedication, some would battle fatigue through unique team-building activities, fostering a camaraderie that translated into the film.

Why it matters: This dedication to the project led to a level of craftsmanship in animation that contributed to the film’s unique visual style and storytelling effectiveness.

Cultural References

Shrek is packed with cultural references, including notable parodies of films like 'Titanic' and 'The Matrix,' seamlessly woven into the narrative.

Why it matters: These references significantly broadened the film's appeal, allowing it to connect with a wider audience while delivering humor that resonates across generations.

Final Scene's Emotional Depth

The final scene, where Shrek and Fiona share their first kiss, was meticulously animated to capture the emotional weight of their relationship growth.

Why it matters: This careful attention to emotion during a comedic film enhanced viewer engagement, allowing audiences to invest deeply in Shrek and Fiona's love story.

Voice Acting Over Animation

The directors encouraged voice actors to improvise their lines, leading to many memorable quotes and natural interactions that shaped the final dialogue.

Why it matters: The improvisational spirit brought authenticity to the characters’ relationships, resulting in a genuine rapport that felt relatable and engaging to the audience.

Alternate Endings

Shrek had several alternate endings that were scrapped during production, including a version where Shrek and Fiona did not end up together.

Why it matters: These early concepts helped to shape the main storyline and provided valuable insights into character motivations, ultimately enhancing the film’s narrative focus on love and acceptance.

The Layering Concept

The idea of Shrek being like an onion—with layers—served not just as a metaphor for his character but also influenced the narrative structure, reinforcing the theme of looking beyond appearances.

Why it matters: This central metaphor became a defining element of the film, contributing to its broader messages regarding vulnerability and personal growth.

Best Animated Feature Oscar

Shrek was the first-ever winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2002, which highlighted the legitimacy of animated films in mainstream cinema.

Why it matters: This accolade changed perceptions of animated films and opened the door for future animated features to be taken seriously by critics and audiences alike.

Fiona's Solo Archery Scene

Fiona's archery scene was an important plot point that showcased her strength and independence, challenging the typical portrayal of princesses in animated films.

Why it matters: This scene established Fiona as a multifaceted character and contributed to the film’s progressive message about women’s empowerment.

The Iconic 'Not Waving But Drowning' Moment

An animated parody of a scene from the movie 'The Graduate' with Shrek's 'Not waving but drowning' moment included as a humorous nod to adult themes.

Why it matters: This blend of humor and subtle social commentary provided layers to the film that resonate with a diverse audience, emphasizing its dual appeal.

DreamWorks' Competitive Edge

At the time of Shrek's production, DreamWorks was looking to establish its unique voice in the animated film industry, setting it apart from Disney's more traditional storytelling methods.

Why it matters: The film’s distinct style and humor paved the way for DreamWorks to carve its niche in animation, inspiring future projects with its irreverent storytelling tone.

Legendary Voice-Over Impressions

Eddie Murphy's impressions and comedic timing were so influential during recordings that many lines were adapted or enhanced based on his playful takes.

Why it matters: Murphy's contributions brought a level of originality to the film's humor that became a hallmark of the character’s personality and appeal.


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