SHREK
THREE STARS - WHOLESOME
To
love others as we really are is far more difficult than many think. This truth, in all its obvious implications,
is explored in Dreamworks’ modern fairy-tale “Shrek.”
Using the remarkably realistic abilities of computer-generated
animation, Shrek (voice by Mike Myers) is a huge, green Ogre whose
isolation is a reaction caused by his rejection from others.
Living literally and figuratively in the slimy swamp, Shrek
has convinced himself that he is happy eating slugs and bathing
in mud. This is often
the result of rejection. Whether
it begins with our not loving ourselves and others reflecting
that opinion, or with the rejection of others and our accepting
their judgment, the result is the same:
we choose to live at that level.
If we are not worthy to live with others, then we live
alone. If we are not worthy of love, then we reject others before they
can reject us.
Shrek’s life changes dramatically when the diminutive
Lord Farquaad (voice by John Lithgow) decides to capture all the
fairy tale characters and remove them from his kingdom so that
he will have the “perfect” kingdom. Fleeing for their lives, these imperfect ones
invade the Ogre’s swamp to hide.
One of these characters is a talking Donkey (voice by Eddie
Murphy) with an unusual ability to accept others as they are. Accepting Shrek as a friend, Donkey stubbornly refuses to be rejected
by him in return. It is
this fledgling friendship that sets the stage for a primary lesson
in love.
Without spoiling the tale and the nature of their quest,
Shrek and Donkey find themselves joined to free the beautiful
Princess Fiona (voice by Cameron Diaz).
A romantic young princess who has been cursed by a wicked
witch to live her life in a foreboding castle tower until her
“true love” rescues her and gives her “true love’s
kiss,” Princess Fiona is herself being held prisoner by a
lonely and misunderstood fire-breathing dragon.
What is not known to Shrek but is revealed as a part of
the quest is that Princess Fiona has a flaw of her own that makes
her afraid that no one will really love her as she really is.
It is Donkey that discovers the truth and helps both Shrek
and the Princess understand that love accepts one another just
as we are and is committed to the other not because we are perfect,
but because we are beloved.
Though a misunderstanding almost causes an irreparable
separation, love finally wins out and the result is not what one
would expect from the usual fairy-tale endings, but is much more
powerful instead.
Though presented in cartoon form and presenting a message
of love in which scary creatures such as the fire-breathing dragon
are transformed, the visual violence and some of the humor may
be inappropriate for young children.
Andrew Adamson and Vicky Jenson have joined forces in directing
a film that presents a much-needed message of love.
When the ogre “Shrek” comes to love and accept
himself as he really is, he is then able to love and accept his
beloved just as she really is. The result is a happiness and joy that comes not from being perfect,
but from being loved as God loves us:
just as we are.
[546 words)
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