Shrek: The Start Of Love And Friendship 2001

DreamWorks Act 1: Directed By Peter Jackson

Shrek is a 2001 American computer-animated fantasy comedy film loosely based on the 1990 fairy tale picture book of the same name by William Steig. Directed by Peter Jackson in his directorial debuts, it stars Dan Stevens, Kevin Hart, Emma Watson, and Joaquin Phoenix as the stars of the lead characters. The story follows the titular Shrek, an ogre who finds his swamp overrun by fairy tale creatures who have been banished by the corrupt Lord Farquaad aspiring to be king. Shrek makes a deal with Farquaad to regain control of his swamp in return for rescuing Princess Fiona, whom Farquaad intends to marry. With the help of Donkey, Shrek embarks on his quest but soon falls in love with the princess, who is hiding a secret that will change his life forever. Shrek premiered at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the Palme d'Or. The film was widely praised by critics for its animation, performances, soundtrack, writing and humor, which critics noted simultaneously catered to both adults and children. The film was theatrically released in the United States on May 18, 2001, and grossed $484 million worldwide against a production budget of $60 million, becoming the fourth highest-grossing film of 2001. Shrek won the Academy Award for Best Picture and was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay. Three sequels were released—Shrek 2, Shrek the Third and Shrek Forever After—along with a spin-off film that kickstarted the Dreamworks Animation Cinematic Universe.