The movie "Shrek" is loved by many. The movies tell the stories of Shrek and his adventures -- from rescuing the Princess Fiona, to finding Prince Arthur so he can be the king of Far Far Away. With great humor and sharp animation, it's a movie that can be loved by both parents and adults. Although some parents believe the film is inappropriate for children of some ages, I beg to differ. The "Shrek" movies give some great life lessons that every child ought to know about. These life lessons are great and truly essential for children (and adults) to understand. Below are 10 lessons the Shrek movies have taught audiences over the years.
1. Prince Charming isn't real.
Many know Prince Charming who first appeared in "Shrek 2." Although he had the looks and a nice voice, he was completely arrogant, always relying on his mummy to get him a princess (specifically Fiona). When he didn't get his way in the second movie, he tries to kill Shrek in the third movie. Overall, Prince Charming isn't always the best choice to love and support. Charming is like a rotten apple: it looks okay on the outside, but on the inside is nothing good.
2. Don't change for anyone!
In the second "Shrek" movie, Shrek is conflicted because he wishes he could please Fiona, so he takes a potion that turns him into a man. However, things turn out bad for him after his transformation. In the end of the second movie, Fiona admits that he wants to be with the Ogre she married, rather than a man. So for those in a relationship, you shouldn't really change appearance or personality simply to please your significant other. If they really love you, then you don't need to change.
3. Fast food solves a lot of problems.
This isn't truly a life lesson, but I personally just find this clip so relatable.
4. Leaders don't have to be strong and brave.
In the third "Shrek" movie we are introduced to Arthur, the weak, young and wild teenager who just happens to be the heir to the throne. While he isn't strong and courageous, he is strong with words. His words are so strong, he convinces all the fairy tale villains to put down their weapons in the movie. Personally, this appeals to me, because I am not a strong and confident guy; sometimes, the leader shouldn't have to be super powerful and display his strength. Words are more powerful than a punch, in my opinion.
5. You don't need many things to be happy.
Our world, nowadays, is extremely materialistic. We rely on what we buy, and always want more. We need the new shoes to be cool, which equals happiness, right? That new car to show off to your friends gives you bragging rights; respect is earned and you are happy, right? Well, in the second "Shrek" movie, Fiona meets her fairy god mother, who offers her a variety of fancy things: lots of cash, a limo, puppies, and a sexy Kyle. But, Fiona is right for refusing all the gifts (besides the puppy), because she knows that she doesn't need all those things to be happy. She loves her husband and loves her friends, and that's all she really needs.
6. Sometimes your best friend is a jackass.
Donkey is annoying, funny, and sensitive. He's Shrek's loyal friend, no matter what circumstance they encounter. I think Shrek and Donkey set a good expectation for friendship.
7. Love your children no matter what choice they make.
In the second "Shrek" movie, Fiona's father didn't approve of Shrek and spent a majority of the film trying to do "what's best". However, not only does it make Fiona miserable, it makes Harold (Fiona's father) miserable as well. Eventually, he learns to love and support Fiona's choice of husband and to be an ogre forever. Like Harold, all parents should be strong and supportive of their child's actions and decisions, especially if it makes the child happy in the long run.
8. No one can resist a cat with big eyes.
In reality, cats shouldn't have to make giant eyes at you. Love and take care of your cat (but still, Puss 'N Boots is absolutely adorable).
9. Villains have feelings.
"Shrek the Third" shows villains and their struggles they face after their epic failures in fairy tales. Villains actually are human, too. They make mistakes, and some of them learn from their mistakes, while others need some work (or a sequel with their name in the title). Like villains, people make mistakes and that they move on with life. They shouldn't have to be cursed with living a poor life due to a poor choice they made. So, forgive and let go.
10. The villains may just be good guys in disguise.
Fairy god mother, helper for Cinderella, aided Harold to become a man (who was once a frog prince). Yet, she has dark intentions, bias and racist viewpoints and has trouble dieting. She was corrupt. For kids and adults, they ought to know that evil doesn't always come in the form of a pitch fork and a black hood. It's essential for people to meet and get to know others before judging them.
