Excellent. Not a waste of time. Must watch.
I first held off the drama for a few months even though I knew it was one of the most popular Kdramas of all time. But I decided to watch it and it was amazing. I regretted not watching earlier. The acting and the music were my favorite parts. Everything in the drama was well written and directed. The bromance was so good too. And most of the events made sense and I was able to understand why they occurred and how. I watched this 2 times. Once myself and once with my mom. I enjoyed it both times and got excited and hyped up. My mom doesn't know Korean (I only know a little tiny bit) and we were watching with Japanese subs cause it's my Mom's first language but my mom had a little hard time understanding what's happening and I had to explain it to her. But anyway, I recommend you watch this drama.Was this review helpful to you?
Fantastic Fantasy
I had some hesitation about watching this as wasn't sure I'd like I'd like the fantasy side of this. Boy was I wrong!Goblin, or Guardian: The Lonely and Great God is a brilliant love story across the ages.
The all start cast are superb headed up by Gong Yoo (Train to Busan) and the delightful Kim Go Eun. Their dynamics are perfect. The second leads of Lee Dong Wook and Yoo In Na are brilliant as well.
If like me, you had reservations about a fantasy style drama, put them to one side and watch this drama. You won't regret it. My heart however, really does it - it actually ached in certain scenes/episodes but I think Goblin is a right of passage for a kdrama fan and especially like me, you're new to this genre.
It's not perfect however - for the reason given above re heart pain - I'v e marked it down on rewatchability but don't let that put you off. I'm a big softy.
Secondly, let's talk about product placement - it's hilarious but annoyed some people. I didn't mind but it's the most obvious I've seen in al the drama's I've watched.
All in all - watch and enjoy. With hindsight I shouldn't have binged it in a few days - no wonder my heart hurts!
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This review may contain spoilers
This is in my top three favorite dramas. The OST has so many great songs and I listen to it on Spotify a lot. The Grim/Goblin bromance is highly entertaining and brings depth to the characters. They have such good chemistry that you feel like you are part of the drama. The Sunny/Grim story line is one of my favorites. The characters are lovable, quirky, and sometimes socially awkward. If you want to see more from these two actors together watch “Touch Your Heart”, it doesn’t have the same emotional intensity as this drama but it is still a good watch. Secretary Kim dancing and singing to BTS & EXO in front of grandpa is hilarious.In many dramas this character would turn on everyone but I am glad to see that the character has unconditional loyalty to the Goblin.
Kim Go Eun has so much energy in her high school character that it was making me tired watching her. Kudos to her make up artist and stylist that were able to make her look 10 years older and different from her high school character. She was able to tone down the energy but you still felt her passion.
Gong Yoo, what can I say about this fabulous actor. Watch the extras, they will show you how fun and serious about his craft he is. I loved when they were in the movie theater and they were watching “Train to Busan” and he comments about the decline of Korean cinema. I laughed a little too hard when Sunny was describing the Goblin to the medium and she said “Gong Yoo.” It’s these kinds of “inside” jokes in dramas that I finally get after watching so many of them.
I’m giving this drama 10 stars because there is character development and growth, the storyline is easy to follow and doesn’t have any blaring “jump the shark” moments. The OST adds to the drama and doesn’t distract the viewers from the story line. This may get some thumbs down but I’m going to say that the lack of PDA for this drama is a plus. There is a lot of looks of yearning but little physical contact until their relationship progresses. When there is kissing, its not a slow burn it’s like striking a match, quick and heated. I don’t feel like I’m being pandered to. Overall there is little to dislike unless you don’t like the genre, otherwise I highly recommend you watch it now!
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My empty soul after this show
OMG, this happen to me twice with reply 1988 and weightlifting fairy, I can't think about anything else. The first time I watched this show, I was like 14 and I didn't enjoy it. But now at 16 and more into dramaworld, this show is in my top 5. The storyline is awesome. The controversy of the show, about the age gap, like think about it, he is 900 years old, no one can be old enough to be with him, so stop low rating because of that. The visuals are amazing too, the budget was really big, just guessing but WOW.Was this review helpful to you?
A miracle which you must watch to believe it exists
Don’t miss this drama. It’s unbelievably good and entertaining. Brings out emotional side of you. It makes u laugh, cry and scream in surprise. You will rewatch certain scenes guaranteed.Liked
Cast: Goblin and grim reaper are my favourite characters of all time. So is credit card boy. They make u laugh so hard. Even goblins bride is innocent and sweet. The smallest character is so accomplished and good with their acting.Goblins sister in past life, Eun Tak's childhood friend, Grim Reaper's junior though they are on screen for short time they have casted good actors for it to make sure they did a good job.
Story: Exciting and funny with ups down like never seen before. To avoid spoilers I won’t add much. The flow is smooth and very well presented and executed.
Over all: A masterpiece indeed. The music, the acting, storyline, direction everything is too good. My only dislike was second lead actress cause I felt goblin sister in past life was played by a much accomplished actress and I wish they continued her role .
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This was so, so well written. Bring tissues.
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Magically awesome somehow ...
Goblin is the first Korean drama that I actually watched while it was still on-going. I remember how I waited patiently every week for new episodes to come out. Yes, this drama is really that good, it made someone like me who isn't into fantasy drama fell hard for this series ... either that or maybe the charm of Gong Yoo? or maybe the flow of its story line? or maybe the dry humor that's actually funny? or maybe the whole mortal and immortal love thing ... I'm not sure ... but somehow they all mixed together and it created an awesome drama series.Any how, if I really think about it, even to this day I still don't like this type of fantasy drama but somehow Goblin is still on my top 5 most favorite Korean drama.
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Let’s weigh The Lonely Shining Goblin on our show beam balance and see what makes then show a praise-worthy, MUST watch drama.
Good Weights
Rollicking Comedy: Goblin is high on emotion and relationship but it is not short on comic scenes. Comedy scenes in the show were performed earnestly that it had to elicit rollicking laughter. Be it the grim reaper and the goblin’s banter or Eun Tak’s innocent demands from the goblin or Deok Hwa’s unreasonable needs, everything was hilarious. In a drama mostly depicting human values, the reasonable dosage of comedy provided the much-needed edge to the show.
BRomance: Though the romance on the show was decent it was the ‘bromance’ between goblin and the grim reaper that stole the show. I have not seen two male actors share such an easy yet fiery chemistry on-screen for a long time. Their banter and fights were hilarious. It broke my heart to see them hate each other for a brief period towards the end because I really enjoyed seeing them together.
Perfect Cast: I have to say that the experienced cast on the show did a phenomenal job towards making the show what it is. The sincerity with which the cast performed was evident on-screen and the results are well-deserved. Even the supporting cast looked convincing in their roles. The casting of this show was one of the best I have seen in Kdramas.
Magical Music: The show’s music is simply enchanting. In fact, the OST titled ‘Round and Round’ became such a big hit with the viewers that the show makers had to officially release it even when the producers had no intentions of keeping it in the original album. Of all the songs on the show ‘Stay With Me’ and ‘Round & Round’ are my most favourite songs.
Bad Weights
Viewers may find loopholes in the story but as far as I am concerned those minor little things did not bother me a bit. The overall content was so stupendous that I have no complaints whatsoever.
I give The Lonely Shining Goblin 4.8 out 5 rating. I have never given any drama this high marks till date (not even my most favourite dramas) but Goblin deserves such high marks as it excels in every department be its story, screenplay, cast, direction, music and every single thing that completes this drama. I personally vouch for this drama. DO NOT MISS Goblin for anything. Go and watch it now.
Originally posted on Alphagirl.in.
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Gong Yoo , portraying as Goblin (Kim Shin) couldn't have been better. I don't know how they chose cast but No one could have been better than Gong Yoo as the Goblin. The lines were way too emotional and his acting was too perfect. Every moment he was in the drama shined. His story of so many years and his previous tragedy will shake you to the peak of excitement. Vastly experienced Gong Yoo hits the hot spot again. One of the highest paid actors of Korea of all time and most popular actors of all time.
Kim Go Eun , Ji Eun Tak , a girl with the ability to see ghosts meaning to be Goblin's Wife, played charming and amazing part. Everybody , literally every body said so many bad things about her and the drama for choosing her and making her so young. But truly , she has proved everyone wrong in the best possible way. The way she acted , felt like one of the greatest actresses of all time.
Lee Dong Wook, The Greatest Interest of the show , combining with Gong Yoo by creating mesmerising Bromance , played the most difficult role of Grim Reaper and OMG , he was so great as Grim Reaper. The walking scenes of him and Gong Yoo literally made everyone's heart flutter. Though he played supporting actor but he is not a supporting actor rather one of the highest paid actors of all time in Korea.
Yoo In Na , playing Kim Sun, came as a supporting actress in the drama. Same goes for her , always selected as a main lead. This is a big reason the drama was hit . Four of the best cast was massive to see at a time.
Yoo In Na's acting was up to the mark and she portrayed her character so well . It was really great to see.
Yeah, that sums up the review. Watch this amazing k-drama. Even if you create a vote poll for the best drama ever comparing with Dots, My love from the star , you will still see Goblin beating everyone. That shows how maximum people appreciated it. Don't just see the hate comments otherwise it wouldn't get 9.0 rating in total. Give it a go. Thank you so much for reading.
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First of all, I would like to give credits to the writers for such an incredible storyline. I'm not really into watching stuff about supernatural creatures, but this drama made me very intrigued about the supernatural beings and it was for sure interesting to learn about Goblins and Grim Reapers. The writers did a splendid job with connecting the stories of the characters with their past lifetimes and their strategic plans of piecing everything together. From my perspective, it is a very original storyline.
Gong Yoo playing as Kim Shin/Goblin was mesmerising. Since watching this drama, I have developed a crush on him. He's got such a tender smile that could light up the entire universe. Every scene was such a treat. Every piece of happiness he got, the sadness and the laughs, all of those were portrayed so well for his character. So sweet, loveable, yet a past that was so unfortunate. It's also worth mentioning that I also fell in love with him because of his boyfriend/husband material: classy in style, funny, cute and a bit of a goofball.
Kim Go Eun as Ji Eun Tak was super cute and adorable. A lot of people found her annoying, but I found her behavior justifiable, but it really depends on how you look from it. Her character didn't really bother me at all, I loved her character and her development.
Lee Dong Wook as Grim Reaper/Wang Yeo was a bit frightening due to his lack of expression haha, but I was really drawn into his character. I have never sympathise with a character just as much as him. Such a huge puppy in this drama and the best 'crier' I have seen yet.
I loved all the cast, they portrayed their characters really well, amazing acting and I never wished for anyone different.
The story is amazing. The love stories were phenomenal and story. Not only that, but the bromance between the Goblin and Grim Reaper was epic, I found myself shipping them more than the real lovers at times aha. The story will definitely leave you drowning in your own tears, but will certainly make your heart flutter and internally scream. It's funny, sad, beautiful, romantic, tragic, heartbreaking...
The music for this drama was good, some of the songs were not really my cup of tea, but all of them were perfect for this drama. I'm glad that they used Round and Round for the intro, dramatic, yet so mysterious. Beautiful by Crush, Stay with Me and Round and Round are my main favourites.
I find myself pondering on if I should rewatch this series again even though I just finished watching it. This is the first KDrama where I had thoughts on rewatching every single episode again from the very beginning. I am going to hold back for now, but I will certainly rewatch this again to relive those moments and find the time frames at where certain scenes happened.
Definitely recommend this drama, it is worth watching. You know when a drama is good when you feel every emotion that the characters are feeling.
It will certainly take me a long while to move on from this drama, if not I don't think I ever will
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I love the story line of this show. It was very unique and captivating to get any person to love this show. The chemistry with all of the characters/actors was just one of a kind. From main lead to second lead, both actors was able to have a chemistry that was sweet and respectful. Although, the main lead love interest started as a 19 year old. There was no appropriateness with it. The only complaint is that there were no true villain. Soundtrack was sweet and easy listening, although it was very repetitive. It was still catchy. I would recommend this series to anyone that is new to watching k dramas.
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-I don't like Kim Go Eun that much...but her role was not bad..neh..
-I fell in love with Lee Dong Wook, he's amazing and put the drama something not "boring"
-The bromance! >.< so cute. Made the drama even better and their relationship was beautiful.
-Sungjae!!!!!! I love him, but i never saw a drama with him, however he was perfect here.
-I actually loved more the second couple (Grim Reaper and Sunny) then the main, just because was so funny and sweet. Seeing the Grim Reaper confused with love relationships is the best xD
- "Sunny not Sun Hee" this will be in my mind
-The OST...INCREDIBLE, so soft and sweet in the right moments.
-The Director and Writer are like legends I really like both of them
-The ending was so realistic and made me cry >///<
Anyway it was a good Fantasy/Romance drama, with very good comedy and relationships.
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