Shrek (2001). Easily one of the greatest animated films of all time can actually be a kids nightmare, believe it or not! With a great story line, character development and a donkey who cannot stop talking; Shrek has some dark scenes that little children just can’t handle. Here’s a few reasons why Shrek isn’t the good guy after all :
Character design – Despite the amazing job the animators at Dreamworks did with the whole film, Shrek’s appearance as a huge and mean ogre may leave a bad message. Imagine a three year old seeing an aggressive ogre without understanding the morale of the story, how would the toddler react? Even though it is animated, watching an unhappy ogre for 1 hour and 35 minutes does not lead to anything positive.
The villagers scene – One of the most intense scenes in the movie, Shrek threatens the villagers about eating them and even yelled right in front of them!
The villagers initial plan was to hunt Shrek down at his swamp, shortly their plan did not work out. The ogre came right in front of them and told them what he can do to their insides if they keep crossing his property. He yells with all his saliva out, the villagers ran away as fast as they could. Shrek laughs at the end of the scene, what message does that bring? Will children think it is right to threaten people and yell at them for crossing unauthorized property?
Personality – At the end of the film, Shrek leaves with Fiona as a happily ever after couple. What can that conclude? The whole movie proves that Shrek gets what he wants, he comes back seeking for his swamp rights, manipulates donkey to become his friend, and gets the girl he loves.
Shrek is a master manipulator and a certified killer. Children should feel frightened with the real image Shrek portrays.
