Shrek is a 2001 computer-animated comedy film that tells the story of an ogre named Shrek who embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded castle. Along the way, he befriends a talking donkey named Donkey and faces off against the evil Lord Farquaad. The film was a huge success, both critically and commercially, and spawned three sequels and several spin-offs.

But what makes Shrek so special? Why did it resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds? And how did it revolutionize the animation industry? Here are some of the reasons why Shrek is a masterpiece of modern cinema.

• It subverted fairy tale tropes. Shrek is not your typical fairy tale hero. He is ugly, grumpy, and prefers to live alone in his swamp. He does not care about saving the princess or defeating the villain. He only agrees to go on the quest because Lord Farquaad threatens to evict him from his home. Similarly, Princess Fiona is not your typical damsel in distress. She is feisty, independent, and can fight her own battles. She also has a secret that makes her different from other princesses. Shrek and Fiona challenge the stereotypes of beauty, heroism, and romance that are often found in traditional fairy tales.
• It had a witty and irreverent humor. Shrek is full of jokes, puns, references, and parodies that appeal to both children and adults. The film pokes fun at various fairy tale characters and stories, such as Snow White, Cinderella, Pinocchio, Robin Hood, and The Matrix. It also makes fun of itself and its own genre, breaking the fourth wall and acknowledging its own clichés. The film’s humor is smart, edgy, and sometimes crude, but never mean-spirited or offensive.
• It had a heartwarming and meaningful message. Shrek is not just a comedy. It is also a story about acceptance, friendship, and love. Shrek and Fiona learn to accept themselves and each other for who they are, not for how they look. They realize that beauty is more than skin deep, and that true love is not based on appearance or status. They also learn to value their friendship with Donkey, who proves to be loyal, supportive, and hilarious. The film teaches us that we should not judge people by their covers, but by their actions and personalities.
• It changed the animation landscape. Shrek was one of the first films to use computer animation as a medium for storytelling, not just for spectacle. It showed that computer animation could create realistic and expressive characters, as well as stunning and immersive worlds. It also showed that computer animation could be used for any genre or tone, not just for fantasy or sci-fi. Shrek paved the way for other computer-animated films that followed, such as Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Up, Frozen, Zootopia, and many more.

Shrek is a film that has stood the test of time. It is still loved and admired by millions of fans around the world. It is a film that has made us laugh, cry, and think. It is a film that has changed animation forever.