Honestly, the 2019 South Korean animated feature Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs got a bit of a raw deal before it even hit theaters. You probably remember the marketing blunder at Cannes that sparked a massive body-positivity backlash. It was messy. But if you actually sit down and watch the film, the heart of the story isn't the magic heels; it’s the guy behind the green skin. Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs Merlin is arguably one of the most interesting subversions of the "Prince Charming" trope we've seen in modern animation. He isn't just a sidekick or a bland love interest. He’s a character defined by vanity, a literal physical curse, and a pretty relatable struggle with self-worth.
Most people went into this movie expecting a standard Snow White retold. What they got was a story about the "Fearless Seven," a group of heroic princes who got turned into small, green dwarfs because they judged a fairy princess by her appearance. Merlin is their leader. He’s the "brave" one. But he’s also the most obsessed with his own reflection. It’s a weirdly honest look at how we tie our identity to how the world sees us.
The Merlin Problem: Vanity vs. Magic
In the world of the film, Merlin is a sorcerer. He uses these glowing charms—basically magical lightning bolts—to fight. He’s talented. He’s also incredibly arrogant. When he and his friends "save" a princess who doesn't look like the stereotypical damsel, they attack her, thinking she’s a monster. That’s the catalyst. The curse that turns him into a dwarf whenever people look at him is a direct response to his superficiality.
Merlin’s journey throughout the movie isn't just about breaking a spell. It’s about the fact that he can only return to his "handsome" human form when he isn't being observed, or if he manages to get a kiss from the most beautiful woman in the world. This creates a fascinating dynamic with Snow White (who is using the Red Shoes to appear thin). Both characters are hiding their true selves. Merlin is a hero trapped in a body he hates, while Snow is a kind-hearted woman trapped in a "perfect" body she doesn't recognize.
The animation by Locus Corporation really leans into Merlin’s expressiveness. Even as a small green dwarf, his body language screams "overconfident magician." It’s a testament to the character design that you still see the cocky prince underneath the curse. He’s constantly trying to prove he’s still the "Great Merlin," even when he’s three feet tall.
Why the Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs Merlin Narrative Matters
Critics often point out that the movie’s message is a bit muddled. Is it saying looks don't matter? Or is it saying they do? It’s complicated. But Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs Merlin represents the male side of the body image conversation, which is something kid's movies rarely touch. Merlin is miserable as a dwarf not because he lacks power, but because he loses the social currency that comes with being a "hot" prince.
Think about it. He spends the whole movie trying to get Snow to kiss him so he can go back to being "himself." He views her beauty as a tool for his restoration. That’s a pretty dark, realistic trait for a protagonist. He’s selfish. But as he spends time with Snow (in her "Red Shoes" form) and realizes she loves him even when he’s green and small, his priorities shift.
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- He learns that his magic—his true power—is independent of his height.
- He realizes that Snow’s "beauty" isn't the magic shoes; it's her willingness to see past his skin.
- The climax of the film forces him to choose between his handsome form and her safety.
It’s a classic redemption arc, but the stakes feel higher because Merlin’s ego is so massive. When he finally accepts his dwarf form to save the day, it feels earned. It’s not a "happily ever after" where the curse just disappears because he learned a lesson; it’s a choice he makes.
The Voice Behind the Magic
Chloë Grace Moretz and Sam Claflin (who voices Merlin) bring a lot of chemistry to these roles. Claflin, specifically, has to balance that "arrogant prince" vibe with moments of genuine vulnerability. If Merlin stayed a jerk the whole time, the movie would fail. You have to believe that he’s capable of change. Claflin plays him with a sort of frantic energy—like a man who is constantly one step away from a mid-life crisis.
Interestingly, the film was directed by Sung-ho Hong, with character design by Jin Kim, who worked on Frozen and Big Hero 6. You can see that Disney influence in Merlin’s movements. He’s fluid, athletic, and has those micro-expressions that make him feel human despite the green skin.
The "Green" Subversion
One of the funniest and most telling parts of the movie is how the Seven Dwarfs interact. They aren't the classic Grumpy or Dopey. They are all "bros." They are warriors. Merlin is the "cool" one. But as dwarfs, they are basically invisible to the world. This shift in social status is the real punishment.
The movie uses Merlin’s magic as a metaphor for his talent. He’s still the same sorcerer. He can still summon lightning. But he thinks he’s "broken" because he’s short. It’s a blunt metaphor for how men often tie their confidence to physical stature or traditional masculinity. Merlin has to learn that his "magic" is his character, not his jawline.
It’s also worth noting the animation style in the fight scenes. Merlin doesn't fight like a dwarf; he fights like a sorcerer who happens to be small. The choreography is fast-paced. It shows that the only person holding Merlin back is Merlin. He’s so focused on getting the Red Shoes’ power to "fix" him that he forgets he’s already one of the most powerful people in the kingdom.
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Deconstructing the Ending (Spoilers Ahead)
The ending of Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs is where the Merlin arc finishes. To defeat the wicked Queen Regina, Merlin has to sacrifice his image. He has to be okay with being the "ugly" version of himself forever if it means saving Snow.
When the curse is finally broken, it isn't because of a magic potion. It’s because the "most beautiful woman in the world" sees him for who he is. And here is the kicker: she sees him as beautiful even when he’s a dwarf. The movie makes a point to show that the physical transformation back into a prince is almost secondary to the emotional transformation Merlin goes through.
Honestly? It’s a better character arc than most Disney princes get. Prince Charming in Cinderella doesn't have a personality. Prince Florian in Snow White is basically a cardboard cutout. Merlin is flawed, annoying, vain, and eventually, truly heroic.
Real-World Reception and Legacy
The film has a 75% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is pretty high for a movie that was almost canceled by the internet. People who actually watch it realize it’s a sweet story. Merlin, specifically, has become a favorite in fan-art circles because his design is so distinct.
The movie’s path to success was rocky. It was produced by Locus Corporation in Seoul and had to navigate a lot of cultural differences in how humor and body image are portrayed. Some jokes land better in certain markets than others. But Merlin remains the glue. He is the bridge between the fairytale world and a modern understanding of self-esteem.
How to Apply Merlin’s "Lessons"
If you’re looking at Merlin’s journey as more than just a cartoon, there are some pretty solid takeaways regarding identity.
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- Identity isn't external. Merlin thought his "prince" status was his identity. It wasn't. It was just his skin.
- Validation is a trap. He spent the whole movie seeking a kiss to validate his worth. He only found peace when he stopped caring about the "cure."
- True talent is internal. His sorcery worked regardless of his height. Your skills don't disappear just because you’re having a bad day or feeling "less than."
To really appreciate the depth of Red Shoes and the Seven Dwarfs Merlin, you have to look past the marketing. The movie isn't a critique of fat people; it’s a critique of the "pretty" people who think looks are the only thing that matters. Merlin is the vehicle for that message. He starts as the problem and ends as the solution.
If you haven't seen it, it's currently available on various streaming platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV. It’s worth a watch, especially if you’re a fan of character-driven animation. Don’t let the old 2017 trailer controversy fool you. The movie is much smarter than its early PR suggested.
Next time you’re watching an animated flick, pay attention to the "hero’s" flaws. A perfect hero is boring. A hero like Merlin—who is literally green with envy and vanity—is much more fun to follow. He reminds us that even if we feel like a "dwarf" on the outside, we might still have some magic lightning hidden in our pockets.
For those interested in the technical side, check out the work of Jin Kim. His ability to translate human emotion into stylized characters is basically the gold standard in the industry right now. You can see his influence in every smirk and frown Merlin makes.
To wrap this up, the story of Merlin in this film is a reminder that we are often our own worst critics. We see "dwarfs" in the mirror when the world sees something else entirely. Merlin had to lose his reflection to finally see himself. That’s a heavy lesson for a movie with a bunch of wooden bear-droids and magic shoes, but it’s one that sticks with you.
Actionable Insights:
- Watch the film with a focus on Merlin's magic use as a symbol of his innate worth.
- Compare Merlin's arc to traditional fairytale princes to see the subversion of tropes.
- Explore the concept of "identity vs. image" in your own life—what are your "Red Shoes"?
- Check out the character design portfolios of Locus Corporation for more insight into how these characters were built from the ground up.
The film is a solid 90 minutes of entertainment that actually has something to say, provided you're willing to look past the surface. Just like Merlin had to.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you enjoyed the animation style, look into The Seven Dwarfs concept art books. They detail the transition from the original "fearless" designs to the cursed versions. Also, keep an eye on upcoming projects from Locus Corporation; they are currently pushing the boundaries of what non-Western studios can do with high-budget CGI. The way they handled Merlin’s magical effects is a great case study for aspiring animators. Stay focused on the character growth, not just the flashy spells. That’s where the real magic happens.