Parents' Guide to

Shrek

By Nell Minow, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Gross-out laughs meet a marvelous fairy tale mix.

Movie PG 2001 93 minutes
Shrek Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 7+

Based on 86 parent reviews

adacere
adacere Adult
May 31, 2022
age 6+
memey and even if you discard the memes it is still a good movie. Mild action, Donkey, basis of most memes, and some messages you might be able to use in life. (ogres have layers,onions have layers)
Maco S.
Maco S. Parent of 5 and 7-year-old
March 11, 2023
age 10+

Too dark for kids

I remembered this movie fondly, but I first watched it as a teenager. It contains quite a bit of dark content that isn't appropriate for young kids. For example, in one scene fairy tale creatures are rounded up and sent off in cages, including The Three Bears. Later on, you see a bear skin rug made from Mama Bear (it's wearing her bow). My seven-year-old picked up on it immediately, pointing out that the villain "killed Mama Bear and made her into a rug." None of my three kids liked the movie and I regret playing it for them.
See all 86 parent reviews

What's the Story?

SHREK has an enchanted princess in a tower, guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. It has a donkey that not only talks, and not only sings, but sings the old Monkees' song, "I'm a Believer." It has an evil (but short) bad guy, kickboxing, a Robin Hood and Merry Men who perform an Irish Riverdance, potty humor, and some digs at Disney. It has sensational animation, adventure, romance, and laughter. And most of all, it has Shrek, a big, green ogre who lives happily alone in a swamp until Lord Farquaad of nearby Dulac sets out to create the perfect kingdom by getting rid of all of the fairy tale characters and sending them to "a designated resettlement community." Soon, the three blind mice, the three little pigs, the gingerbread man, all the broom-flying witches, Pinocchio, and a talking donkey are all relocated to the swamp. Shrek is furious at the intrusion. He makes a deal with Farquaad, who needs to marry a princess to put the final touch on his kingdom. Shrek will rescue Princess Fiona and bring her to Farquaad, and Farquaad will give Shrek his swamp back.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (86 ):
Kids say (261 ):

The movie is a marvelous fairy tale, with a thrilling quest and a happily-ever-after ending. Shrek has the great themes of enduring myths, about believing in yourself, being loved for the person you really are, and good triumphing over evil. It is also a delicious satire, tweaking all of our assumptions about ogres, princesses, rescues, and even fire-breathing dragons. The voice talents of Mike Myers (as the Scottish-burred Shrek), Eddie Murphy (as Donkey the talking donkey), Cameron Diaz (as Princess Fiona), and John Lithgow (as Farquaad) are all perfect.

The computer animation is breathtaking for its time, like nothing seen before it. The textures are stunning. The glass, fire, clouds, and water seem three-dimensional, and you will feel that Donkey's fur almost brushes your hand. The animation has wonderful warmth and depth, but it also has a great deal of character and wit. The facial expressions and body language are such a treat that the audience can't help thinking that if ogres and donkeys and don't really look like that, they should.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Donkey's statement that Shrek has "that kind of 'I don't care what nobody thinks of me' thing." Is it true that Shrek didn't care what people thought of him? How can you tell? What did it mean to say that ogres are like onions? What does it mean to say that people have layers?

  • Princess Fiona expected Prince Charming to save her, and Shrek came instead. How did she change her mind about him? How did it help her to accept herself? Why is self-acceptance so important?

  • How do the characters in Shrek demonstrate perseverance and teamwork? What about curiosity and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?

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