Scene Standoff: Shrek vs. Braveheart
Shrek and Donkey's first outing as a dynamic duo as they rescue Princess Fiona in 'Shrek' vs. William Wallace's famous pre-battle speech in 'Braveheart'.
If you've clicked on this wondering what's going on, then click on the link here to read the rules of the Scene Standoff: https://www.focusfilms.online/post/scene-standoff-lion-king-vs-grease
Rescuing Fiona - Shrek
Shrek and Donkey, voiced by Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy take on a dragon-guarded castle to rescue the Princess Fiona. Whether it's their hilarious walk across the bridge, Donkey's flirtatious conversation with the dragon or Shrek's not-so-charming first impression, this scene has got modern-day classic written all over it.
- Ellis' scene
William Wallace's speech - Braveheart
As the Scottish army stand in formation, ready to charge into battle, William Wallace (Mel Gibson) steps forward and gives an empowering speech. The line that sticks with most: "They may take our lives, but they will never take our freedom!"
- Gareth's scene
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Ellis - italics
Gareth - bold
PERFORMANCE
Well it's probably one of Mel Gibsons finest roles isn't it?
Apart from Rocky in Chicken Run.
I haven't actually seen Braveheart, I have of course seen this scene though.
It gets a lot of hate but I quite like it. It's factually inaccurate in many places but I mean...so's Men in Black 3.
Exactly, and everyone loves that film.
The animation is still good in Shrek considering it was released in 2001, the music is great as well. However, there are better vocal performances elsewhere from Mike Myers in this film.
SHREK - 7/10 BRAVEHEART - 8/10
NECESSITY
If Shrek doesn't rescue Fiona, then we don't have Shrek 2, 3 or 4.
Yeah, and those were necessary.
Hey now, Shrek 2 is the best one I'll have less of that sarcasm please.
It's also necessary to the film because you don't know how Fiona was rescued.
This Braveheart scene is obviously so important but it's also the best scene in the film, which does play in to necessity.
SHREK - 8/10 BRAVEHEART - 9/10
REFERENCABILITY
There's not loads to reference in this Shrek scene. But Shrek in its entirety is a massive thing culturally. Quoted all the time, memes everywhere, spoof videos.
I've quoted the "layers" quote before and the "making waffles" but I've not heard this film be referenced that often.
This scene doesn't have many references. But trust me, the rest of the film and it's sequels do.
The "freedom" quote is said a lot to this day.
"They may take our lives, but they will never take our onions!"
SHREK - 2/10 BRAVEHEART - 8/10
POPULARITY (using Letterboxd for reference)
Braveheart's average rating is a 3.8.
And Shrek is a 3.9.
Ooh, that's cruel.
SHREK - 3.9 BRAVEHEART - 3.8
ICONIC RATING
On a scale of fairytales, how iconic are these scenes? So high end is Hansel & Gretel and low end is Little Miss Muffet or something; not even a fairytale it's a nursery rhyme.
I'm going as iconic as they come...Little Red Riding Hood.
For Shrek, I'm going with Rumpelstiltskin. It's not the most iconic but it's a really good fairytale.
SHREK - Rumpelstiltskin BRAVEHEART - Hansel & Gretel
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THE FINAL STANDOFF
Shrek 1-4 Braveheart
Shrek was the only Dreamworks film to make it into the Scene Standoffs, but it was no match for William Wallace's invigorating speech.
As Braveheart storms into the second round it will undoubtedly come up against some brilliantly triumphant scenes. Is the passion and grit of Mel Gibson's performance enough to sail him through to the finals.
Animated films have held their own against live action classics in this competition, but with Shrek falling at its' first hurdle, can any other animated films clamber through the second round and into the finals? Lion King, Toy Story and others are still going strong, so only time will tell just how iconic they are.
Current Standings: G - 11 E - 15
NEXT BATTLE:
ALIEN VS. THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
Braveheart available to rent or buy