I Wouldn’t Change You, Darling: Shrek 2 (2004)

Romantic Moment #6

Shrek 2 (2004)

I know what you’re thinking. Shrek? Really? She’s picking Shrek to write about? Shrek has romantic moments? The first animated romantic moment, and she chooses Shrek?

Now I know, it does sound strange, but bare with me. This movie has strong romantic qualities. Trust me.

Now I absolutely loved this movie as a kid; I remember going to see it for my birthday when I turned 12. I absolutely had to see this film because 1) had Puss in boots and 2) I loved the original film. I really liked this one too, and ended up memorizing all the songs.

So Shrek 2 picks up where the first one left off. Shrek and Fiona are honeymooning, and later return home only to be greeted by a convoy sent by Fiona’s parents inviting them to visit. Shrek and Fiona are on the outs about going, but Fiona ultimately convinces Shrek to go.

The pair are accompanied by Donkey, and arrive in a Hollywoodish kingdom; Far, Far, Away. [I still remember the go-gurt commercials for this movie]

Not everything goes swimmingly as Fiona’s parents are shocked at her appearance and choice of husband. We also find out that there is an Evil Fairy Godmother who wants Fiona to get with her son Prince Charming so he can rule after the king croaks (punny right?). [I’ve never really understood that plot point. If Fairy Godmother has so much power and magic couldn’t she just create a kingdom for her son? There must be some kind of magic law against it. Whatever.]

The fights between Shrek and Fiona’s father escalate and it starts to bring up issues between Shrek and Fiona. Fiona tells Shrek that she made a lot of changes for him, he could try and do something for her.

Shrek goes out to the fairy godmother to try and get happiness for him and Fiona; joined now by Puss in Boots. Shrek takes a potion that changes him and Fiona into “beauty divine” human forms. [Well, Fiona back into her old form]

There is adventuring, previous characters from the first film are brought back, betrayal, mistaken identity; will Shrek be able to get his own happily ever after?

Most Romantic Moment: I Want You to Be You

Shrek has defeated Evil Fairy Godmother and has finally been reunited with Fiona. He tells her that if they hurry and  kiss before Midnight they can stay like this forever. After midnight they will be ogres forever.

Shrek: Fiona. ls this what you want? To be this way forever?
Princess Fiona: What? 
Shrek: Because if you kiss me now…we can stay like this. 
Princess Fiona: You’d do that? For me? 
Shrek: Yes.

So romantic

The fact that Shrek is willing to give up everything he loves about being an ogre is so sweet and romantic:

Donkey: Shrek? You drink that, there’s no going back. 
Shrek: l know.
Donkey: No more wallowing in the mud? 
Shrek: l know. 
Donkey: No more itchy butt crack?
Shrek: l know!
Donkey: But you love being an ogre
Shrek:  l know! But I love Fiona more.

He’s willing to sacrifice what makes him happy to make the one he loves happy, to give her everything. But the romantic moment is not over. It gets even better:

Fiona: I want what any princess wants. To live happily ever after…with the ogre l married.

So romantic

Even sweeter, She doesn’t want him to have to change for her, as she knows that he would never be the same, just a shadow of his formal self. The fact that he was willing to change and give up all his old ways was good enough for her. Plus Fiona is happy and comfortable in what she is.

Together again!

I would have posted a video on this moment, but unfortunately I couldn’t find one. Sorry! You’re just going to have to watch it on your own!

And Shrek 2

To start Romance is in the Air from the beginning, go to Boom Box of Love: Say Anything (1989)

For the previous post, go to Wanna Grow Old With You: The Wedding Singer (1998)

For more fairy tales, go to You Should Write A Book

For more animated films, go to I’m No Warrior, I’m an Assistant Pig-Keeper: The Black Cauldron (1985)