Completed
Charliebyrd
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 18, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0
This review may contain spoilers

Cause and Effect

Ok, everything that needs to be said has been said about Goblin so this is just me throwing my hat into the ring...
- Gong Yoo & Kim Go-Eun have ZERO chemistry together, like NADA! So, if you are expecting an epic love story you aren't going to get it with these two. In reality, he is actually 12 years older than her, but that's still no excuse. I think that they were cast because they are magnificent actors that are really serious about their craft and this shows in their succinct and selective CV's. But they are so busy concentrating on their acting that they kind of forgot to be human! But I don't think there was much choice of actors at the time. They needed this level of acting to pull off the concept of the show.
Gong Yoo is acting like he's bipolar. One minute he is the war-torn philosopical general from a bygone age the next he's a goofy kid.
Kim Go-Eun, I just find this actress annoying...in everything. Here she is just a 19 yrs old hyperactive schoolgirl and then convincingly a 29 yrs old woman ...I mean kudos for pulling it off, but still no...
Basically, she's looking for a father figure and he behaves like one towards her.
-Lee Dong-wook & Yoo In-na on the other hand do have chemistry and even went on to star in another series 'Touch Your Heart' based on this chemistry. Sadly, nothing I've seen them in after Goblin has been as good. It really did bring out their best performances and you can't imagine anyone else in their parts, but still they are doing better in their careers than the main leads. I think this show set the bar too high!
The couple I ship is:
-Gong Yoo & Lee Dong-wook who win the award for best chemistry in Gobin :) They must have had a great time filming it together. I love their witty repartee.
- I have to give a special mention to Lee El, aka Red Halmoni, as she has also been in 2 of my favourite Kdramas: 'Black' & ' A Korean Odyssey'. Both made after 'Goblin' (talk about typecasting!) Anyway, she totally rocks in this!
-There are quite a lot of similarities between 'Goblin' & 'A Korean Odyssey'.
1. Both female leads can see ghosts.
2. Both female leads end up being sacrificed in the end.
3. Both female leads will only end up with the male lead through reincarnation.
4. One of the leads gets amnesia towards the end, but this is just a plot device to recap and fall in love with their love story all over again. But, not to worry they usually recover their memories within 1 episode!
-Another similarity I noticed was between 'My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho' when Gu Mi-ho starts crying it rains. There is a direct link between supernatural beings & the weather, must be in the mythology somewhere. I find this really poetic.
-Strangely, I get a 'Friends' vibe off the series. It is so knowing, like post-modern playing off the supernatural that makes it such a unique concept, which is not easily achieved. It also makes for such great comedy. There are so many funny scenes. that are just gems. Example: When main couple go to the cinema and goblin is terrified watching 'Train to Busan' a film he starred in just before Goblin!
-However the real star of the show isn't the actors, it is the hauntingly, instantly catchy OST. One of the best, if not the best I've ever heard. It really moved me and was utilised like an actor. Powerful stuff music!

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Completed
Softsoft_girl
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 11, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0

Applause 2 de cinemotography which is at its peak @ this kdrama


●boi, this is def another one of those dramas where you’ll be like wtf is this plot what is this drama bc it’s just so…. interesting
●The 2nd lead couple is super cute, omg i am goin 2 die
●De ost is soo good PUNCHH
●Alright get ready for another complicated plot… so the main character, kim shin is a v honorable general and the young king is jealous so he kills him. buT GUESS WHAT! He comes back alive as a goblin so he basically lives an immortal life, so fastforward -- you know like he is now 900 years old, & is looking for his human bride who is the only one who will be able to release his curse so that he can turn into ashes and stop living (this guy is done wid de earth cuz he’s been on for too long)
●So yeah then the goblin saves this pregnant lady and she dies but the baby lives and the baby grows up with the ability to see immortal souls and she is supposed to die now & grim reapers look for her ... SO COMES THE HERO TO SAVE HIS GIRL
● I dont wanna hit u w too much plot so yeah go watch iT ..Its WORTH IT 💜😆

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Completed
shin-ah
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 6, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 7.0

what to say?

What can you say that hasn't been said about this k-drama. I won't say much; don't be like me and push off watching this. I love Gong Yoo because of Coffee prince he has become my favorite actor and Kim Go Eun has become one of my favorite actresses because of this drama. Their chemistry is like no other, the age difference in real life makes it feel more real in the drama. I'll just key points some of the things you will see in this beautiful drama. 1. Amazing Story line. It's just Beautiful and sad at the same time. 2. You should be ready to cry your heart out. This drama will never leave a single chance to make you cry. 3. Mind blowing Acting. All the leads as well as co-artists have done their job so beautifully and perfectly. 4. The side stories. This drama has many small stories inside it of various people which will make you smile, and also sometimes those will make you cry. 5. The production crew has done a amazing job. You will get to see that once you start the drama. 6. BROMANCEEEE between the two male lead which will make you fall in love with them. 7. The OSTs of this drama is LOVE. 8. It is not just a simple romcom or fantasy drama. You can really learn great things from it.

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Completed
beth1000
0 people found this review helpful
Nov 28, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Watch this to understand why are K-Dramas so unique

I now understand why this is one of the best dramas in Korean world. It was perfect for me a I cannot say anything bad.
Story: The story was interesting for me, the mystical atmosphere brought this lovestory to a new level. Sometimes it was a little bit melodramatic - like a typical korean drama but overall I find it full of suprises that kept me watching and wanting more. Storylines were always finished and explained - for me it wasn not like they just threw something new unexpected. Each one of the characters had his own mission and drama did not forget that. (Spoiler) Kim Shin was so lonely and life did not matter to him but he found his reason to live. Grim Reaper wants to find out about his past life and he finds Sunny. Eun Tak had life full of trouble and sadness but then she finally find her home. She then sacrifices her own life but finds her way to Goblin. Sunny is just normal human being when she finds herself around abnormal beings. In the first half of episodes they are building the relationships so everything goes slower.
Cast: They are great. I do not mind the age gap between Gong Yoo and Kim Go Eun because their chemistry is chef kiss. Bromace between Gong Yoo nad Lee Dong Woo is cute and funny. Yoo In Na is charming and all of them are building the atmosphere.
OST: I love all songs. Even if you do not want to watch this drama, please, just listen to soundtrack, you will love it. Unpopular opinion - I love Round And Round even if Heize sings it.
What can I say in the end... The ending is bittersweet while Goblin will always see Eun Tak die and he will stay alone.

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Completed
Noenkas
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 3, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Almost perfect

This is one of the most unique stories I have every watched. The balance of dark to light is perfect and didn't leave me depressed, even though it could have easily been the case. The two main male characters were absolutely perfect and made the story for me.

I would not classify this as a rom-com since it has very little actual romance. It's also not a comedy, in spite of it being funny a lot of the time. It is a great mixture of fantasy/comedy/drama/romance/philosophy. The OST is so good I've also already downloaded it on Spotify.

Like many stories of it's kind there are a few things that don't make perfect sense, or threads that weren't neatly (or at all) tied by the end of the story. Every story can't be Lord of The Rings. It did however have a satisfying end and I'm glad I watched it.

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Completed
Tanky Toon
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 30, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 6.5
Apparently one of the best Korean dramas ever, the Goblin tackles on supernatural themes of after-life and reincarnation. With characters such as the Goblin, the Goblin's bride, the Grim Reaper and ghosts, the drama fluctuates between romance and fantasy. The two male leads are as charismatic as the female leads were lukewarm. As the drama went along, I was more interested in the love story between the secondary couple. Even the bromance between the Goblin and the Grim Reaper was a better watch, IMO. Would have given this a 10, if it wasn't over-hyped and repetitive towards the last part of the drama.

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Completed
Ehsal
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 21, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 5.5
This review may contain spoilers

I can only continue walking forward

Yes it was Great watching it specially the story building and and character building was so good accurate and every single thing in this drama was super good. It make me more sure that one should never think about committing crimes such as killing or suicide. Both can be very dangerous. But the fact they all somehow resolved there 1000 year old beef and tried to be together is so cute. They didn't only focus on main lead but also support lead. I also wanted to see dok hwa getting married or having rebirth with them too. I didn't expected to have such a plot like i was thinking dok hwa is going to be someone bad but it turns out he was not. It was so cute and lovely to have them see together again.

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Completed
Lolee
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 21, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 4.0

Worth watching despite the flaws

I loved this drama, such a unique story!

After this drama, whenever it rains I remember Goblin and think to myself: "Oh no, is he sad again? :(" The male lead of course is my crush :D but the female lead is also sooo cute! I loved her bubbly personality and positive energy! Yes, she did act a bit childish as many people said, but I personally didn't mind it because I thought it suited her very well.

In general, it's a very cute drama and one of the best ones I have seen. Although the last few episodes could have been better, in my opinion.

[Downsides]:

1) VERY slow
I had to watch 90% of this drama at x1.5 speed due to its slow pace. Many scenes were also shot in slow motion.

2) Fillers / Repetitive Scenes
I had to skip over A LOT of flashback scenes of past memories. Honestly, they could have made this drama 8 episodes instead of 16.

3) Age Difference
There was a huge age gap between the two leads. It looked as if he was in his 40s, dating a high school student. It was a bit weird, but I had to ignore it and focus on their adorable personalities to enjoy the drama.

Despite all that, I'm glad I watched this drama and I still recommend people to watch it.
Enjoy :)

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Completed
asmitha chandini
0 people found this review helpful
Nov 5, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
This drama truly is something else, from someone who loves watching dramas to see how plot could potentially develop/ how characters could potentially develop; this is probably one of my top 3 dramas of all time.

I'll start with simple aspects like the cinematography, background music and OSTs are breathtaking, I cannot flaw them in that aspect. The directors were truly genius with the way they decided to film, cinematography in this drama held a lot of meaning behind it, sometimes it would take someone to look twice to notice.

plot wise I must say it one of the most original things I have ever watched, the plot developed well and contained no visible holes that I could criticise, usually creators would fill those holes with unnecessary side plots or love triangles or underdeveloped characters, however, the plot of this drama is complete in every way. Just the right balance between reality and fantasy, a very thin line that not many dramas were able to hold onto very well. The plot stayed true to itself; when said thing is going to happen, it will happen. No shortcuts or exceptions just because the main characters where involved, that's what I like about this drama, it refused to stick to resolving the plot and dismissing main points just for fan satisfaction. All in all, the plot is incredibly thorough and captivating, heart wrenching but also somewhat warming.

I think the thing that surprised me the most about this drama is how the characters are all so developed, no one is completely good, no one is completely bad and they all have their own struggles. I don't think there's a single watered down character or a character that did not suit the plot. They were all so attached to one another and that's something you rarely in see in dramas, usually it's the male character attached to the female character and the 2nd lead attached to the 2nd lead female. However, you get to see them all relying on one another, physically and emotionally attached to one another. The chemistry between the main male leads was invincible as well as the chemistry between the female leads, this drama truly showed that love was an umbrella to many different types i.e. brotherly love, platonic love, romantic, etc. Likewise, the romantic aspect of it was also very well thought, the chemistry between the actors felt so real I almost thought they were dating in real life.

One of my favourite things about this drama is how realistic it is- as ironic as it sounds. They portrayed a 19 year old the way a 19 year old should be portrayed; hopeful, optimistic, immature, inexperienced. They portrayed a man that has lived 900 years the way you'd expect him to be portrayed. The pain of the characters was another realistic aspect, something that I felt through the screen. I don't usually cry at dramas, but this one made me feel things I haven't felt in a while- I mean I did cry for the entirety of the last 2 episodes and that sure does say something, I felt as though I was getting my heart ripped out, that's how lovable these characters are.

All in all, a drama I'd watch a million times and never get bored of.

Anyway, sorry for the long review and I hope you enjoy this drama just as much as I did! because i love this drama to bits!

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Completed
TCI
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 14, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

Best fantasy drama

I am obsessed with this show and everyone in it. The acting in this show is incredible. l love the bromance and the relationships all the characters had with each other- there was never a dull moment. If you pay attention the show also has a lot of profound life lessons and messages to teach you. The ending is definitely bittersweet, it's framed as a happy ending but when you really think about it you realise that the joy will be short-lived.
One of my biggest pet peeves with fantasy shows is when they introduce a world that has certain rules and they don't stick to them for the sake fo a happy ending for the characters. l guarantee you that this drama is so well written that it doesn't break any of its rules even though you wish it did at times.
It's in my top 10 ultimate dramas, l highly recommend

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Ongoing 16/16
ruishka
0 people found this review helpful
May 6, 2023
16 of 16 episodes seen
Ongoing 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

All time favorite masterpiece - rewatched hundred times now

It was pleasure to watch and cry...no complain... actors are amazing... story is perfect...moments are heartbroken and you would cry... I could not stop watching it till finished and after I had the worth withdraw symptoms ever so I rewatched it again and again wishing to unwatched it so I can watch it as new.

1. Rewatched value over 100%
2. The second couple is on pair with main - loved both of them so much. Second couple could get drama on their own due to their chemistry, story and actors
3. Like the ending as well, it suitable and beautiful
4. Music/OST are out of the world


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Completed
beccafordd
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 17, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

This is a must watch drama

Words cant even begin to describe how good this drama is. From the cast to the plot to the way it was filmed it is perfect. It was the perfect amount of heartbreaking scenes and cutesy scenes. It has your emotions going up and down like a roller coaster. The only flaw in this near perfect drama is that it has to end. Though i do have to warn you i cried like a baby throughout this show as happy scenes only distract from the inevitable fate that Kim Shin faces. This drama is a must watch for Kdrama fans!!
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Goblin (2016) poster

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