I was impressed by Fiona's ability to fight like female warriors from The Matrix and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, but I sensed an unresolved contradiction in her need to seek authentication from a male romantic partner. I could make the argument that a highly trained martial artist/fighting machine probably has little concern for such worldly matters as physical appearance, but I won't (I'll think it in my head anyway). My point is this: while the film does contain a message that 'beauty is on the inside' and that women of all types are beautiful, it is significant that Fiona's understanding of this fact is filtered through male approval. First she seeks a union with Farquuad, thinking it will solve her little 'problem' that happens every night. She realizes that she's in love with Shrek, but also thinks she's been rebuffed by him, so she follows through on marrying Farquuad (note, significantly, that when things get rough, this incredible martial artist is unable to fight off a small band of Farquuad's men). In any case, she doesn't become 'okay with herself' until Shrek kisses her and, ultimately, validates her appearance as acceptable; to me, it is disappointing that her character arc, being able to accept herself in a so-called 'ugly' physical manifestation, is in fact activated by the kiss of a man. However, this kiss is also significant for its affect on the main character of the film. By kissing Shrek, Fiona facilitates the completion of his character arc; he is no longer a social introvert, but instead looks forward to the company of a companion who has proven compatible with his lifestyle and in fact mirrors his own appearance.

Shrek reworks the typical fairy tale but still relies on some old standards.

Here's another scenario that might help put this in perspective: Shrek kisses her, but decides that things are happening too fast and he needs his 'personal space' again, so he runs back to his swamp hut. Would Fiona still have found personal satisfaction with her permanent 'new look?' I don't think so. In contrast, Disney's Mulan was a self-confident woman even at the start of the film, understanding fully how to operate within a man's world. At the end of Mulan, she remains strong as an individual, while also experiencing love. Sure, viewers are happy when she and her man meet again, but the story ends before a clear 'union' is formed. Ultimately, Mulan remains a strong female character -- outwardly beautiful throughout the story, of course -- while Fiona is not so secure in her identity and also shifts in her physical appearance. As an audience, we always know that she is really a tall, slender, beautiful 'storybook princess;' even after her look changes. If nothing else we still have the voice of Cameron Diaz to remind us of her origins. In any case, even the 'changed' Fiona hardly pushes the boundaries of true ugliness. One of my friends, Greg Singer, said that the audience around him collectively cooed "awww" in reaction to her 'cuteness' as an ugly character.