On top of being a heartfelt love story, a biting fantasy satire, and a coming-of-age saga, the original “Shrek” was also an action buddy-cop film about two unlikely partners on the opposite sides of the personality spectrum. Shrek was the gruff, anti-social man-of-action, while his sidekick Donkey was the gregarious people-pleaser with a sunny disposition.
The relationship between Shrek and Donkey covers certain beats again and again in each of the films. At first, Shrek feels impatient with Donkey due to his nosy, chatty nature. Meanwhile, Donkey ignores Shrek’s irritation, because he recognizes that beneath the gruff exterior of the formidable ogre there beats a heart of gold. At some point the differences between the two characters prove too much, and they get into a heated argument.
But just when it seems like their friendship is on the verge of breaking up, Shrek and Donkey are reminded of how important they are to each other. The duo make up, and work together to put an end to the problems facing them and their loved ones. From their days of squabbling over who gets to live in the swamp, to raising their children side-by-side, the vitriolic best buds have developed one of the best friendships in the history of cinema.
