Shrek (2001)

The American animated fantasy comedy film, Shrek (2001), is loosely based on the 1990 children’s picture book by William Steig of the same name. The main character, an anti-social and territorial ogre, thrives in the isolation of his swamp and takes pleasure in warding off trespassers. However, his peaceful existence is disrupted when the short-tempered ruler of Duloc, Lord Farquaad, banishes a multitude of fairy-tale creatures who mistakenly end up in Shrek’s territory. Seeking retribution for the invasion, Shrek sets out to confront Farquaad and demand that the creatures be relocated elsewhere. Although he initially didn’t want company on his journey, he reluctantly agrees to let Donkey, a chatty creature he previously rescued from Farquaad’s guards, accompany him to Duloc as a guide. Meanwhile, Farquaad is informed by the Magic Mirror that he must marry a princess if he wishes to become king. He selects Princess Fiona as his bride-to-be despite her being held captive by a fierce Dragon in a nearby castle. Rather than risking his own life to rescue her, Farquaad arranges a tournament where the winner will have the ‘privilege’ of completing

At Duloc, Farquaad declares that the ogre-slayer will be hailed victorious. Despite the knights’ attempts, Shrek and Donkey swiftly triumph. Finding this amusing, Farquaad names them champions and offers to relocate the fairy-tale creatures in exchange for Shrek saving Fiona. On their journey to the castle, they face a fierce Dragon attack. However, they succeed in reaching Fiona who is unimpressed with Shrek’s lack of romance. After escaping with Donkey from the Dragon’s clutches, Shrek reveals his true identity as an ogre. Stubbornly refusing to go to Duloc, Fiona demands that Farquaad come rescue her in person and is carried away by Shrek against her will. That night, after setting up camp and with Fiona taking refuge in a cave, Shrek confides in Donkey about his antisocial behavior caused by constant judgment based on his appearance. Overhearing this, Fiona decides to show kindness towards Shrek. The next day, while being harassed by Robin Hood and his troop of Merry Men, Fiona impressively defeats them using her martial arts skills. This leaves Shrek impressed with her abilities and they soon begin falling for each other.