Guardian: The Lonely and Great God

쓸쓸하고 찬란하神 - 도깨비 ‧ Drama ‧ 2016 - 2017
Dropped 9/16
corn salad
1 people found this review helpful
Oct 20, 2022
9 of 16 episodes seen
Dropped 0
Overall 5.0
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 1.0

Amazing start but OMG it gets so slow

ok when i started it i was in shock how good it was. first 6 eps were AMAZING but the way the writers killed the vibe pissed me off so hard...the story is amazing dont get me wrong but the writers needa get fired for ruining a show with such high possibilities. every 2 mins there the 15 second slowmo music scene which enrages me so much...like its ok a couple of times but BRO stop it....it made me so angry that i no longer want to know if that damn blade comes out or not...i feel so bad for the writers cuz the base plot is so good but it just gets sooooooooo slowwwwwww. the actors are the best and they dont deserve such a bad director...i never drop shows and i think i will eventually finish it but that won't be happening in the next 2 yrs

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Completed
Stefania
0 people found this review helpful
9 days ago
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

The perfect series.

A series that incorporates everything perfectly. A series of growth, sacrifices, love, second chances, humanity, resignation, longing and faith. A fantasy, historical and romantic series that keeps you glued to the screen, with its costumes, music, laughter and tears. A series that incorporates so much in 16 episodes and leaves a mark in your heart, thanks to the wonderful cast and the carefully crafted stories and music.
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Completed
macaco
0 people found this review helpful
Oct 24, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 5.5
Acting/Cast 7.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 4.5
Ok, first of all the soundtrack for this was amazing i loved these songs. Now, i was really expecting more from this drama, especially beacause all the hype it had, but it was kinda dissapointing to be honest. I was expecting so much more from the story because, c'mon the plot sounds very interesting. Throughout the show the plotline just falls flat, like if you're expecting for some plot points to be explained or make sense by the end of the show then you're gonna be in for some shit. The story had so much potential but by the end it just forgets entirely about it and starts relying completely in the characters and their relationships, and that's ok in some dramas but you're not expecting that here! Like some stuff that happens makes no sense and what happened to Deokhwa?? his story was inconclusive and he was so interesting, my favorite character.

Also, yeah the relationship between the leads can be uncomfortable or a turn off to some people, specially when he treats her so much like a kid sometimes. Like i get it, she is but bro don't remind us that much if u want this to work for your audience 💀.

Overall i enjoyed the drama a lot but i gotta accept that it's very very far from perfect, and that's ok!

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Completed
98724
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 7, 2019
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers
oh boi, where do I even start with this drama? I remember watching the first episode all the way back in 2016 when it was still on air and back then I wasn't really feeling it, adding it straight to my "maybe I will finish it one day. MAYBE.." list. that one day happens to be today and I can tell you that I'm honestly so glad I decided to give it another chance.

the story was such an emotional rollercoaster, one minute I was laughing and the other I was about to cry but that's what made goblin so enjoyable to watch - it never got boring, from the beginning until the very end. there were some moments and scenes that I didn't particularly love and found a bit cringy but those were overnumbered by the high-quality ones that made it so worth to watch.

I had no choice but to give the cast 10/10 because the chemistry was simply great, be it the lead couple or the second lead. and, god, how could I not mention the goblin-reaper bromance, it was one of the reasons why I decided to watch it, after all, there's no wonder why I heard so much about it - I know I keep repeating myself but they were great.

the OST fitted just right and always added the right mood to the story. I couldn't go for 10 stars tho because even though I loved like 99% of them there was this one song that really annoyed me haha. I'm not sure why. maybe because it was playing every time there was something shitty happening lol.

this part does contain a spoiler but I just have to say it - as much as I enjoyed the story, in general, I felt the ending could have been much better. in the last episode, after the car accident happened they kept mentioning something about angels and I really really wanted eun tak to come back as one and live happily ever after. from the way they put it I didn't really understand what actually happened - was she human? did her mom die again? maybe it was explained there but I just didn't get it because I was too emotional and sad that it's ending however this is one of the things that really made me anxious and the reason why I'm not going to go all out and give it 10/10.

I'm definitely sure that eventually I'm going to watch it again and I would recommend everyone to give it a shot. you can't go wrong with this - trust my words, it's worth it.

now, this is not about goblin but I would like to mention that I just started watching "touch your heart" where our familiar and beloved second lead couple is starring. I watched many things but it never happened to me to watch the same actors play a pair in two different dramas. and it's really weird to see them play roles so different from those I used to see them in. I'm loving it so far tho, hopefully, it's going to be just as awesome as goblin was.

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Completed
16052166
0 people found this review helpful
23 days ago
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

you need to watch this

so this is a very good drama I Don't know why I was pushing it away I regret it 😅 but as now I have watched it it's so amazing ❤️ I am so in love with it and the the actors have done the acting is just superb 💋the story is awesome ending is also beautiful and the ost oo mmyyy goddd it's so good like I am keeping it as my ringtone so good loved it ❤️ ♥️ 😀 amazing if 100 was a rating I would have given hundred 💯 sooo just go and watch without wasting any time loved it muahhhh🫂💋❤️❤️‍🔥🎂😭🫶
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Completed
AlphaGirlReviews
0 people found this review helpful
Sep 28, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 8.0
It has been more than three weeks since Goblin ended and I do not know what kept me from writing the drama review for so long. I have followed this drama most ardently even going to the extent of sitting up late at night to watch the drama within a few hours of its telecast. Goblin was a smashing hit in Korea and all over Asia. I am glad that, for once, Koreans and foreign viewers have loved and appreciated the same drama at the same time. For me, this drama is like the perfect coffee where everything is added in the right quantity just like the way I would like it. Comedy, romance, suspense, anguish, and action were so perfectly blended that I did not find this remarkable drama lacking in any department.

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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Completed
RayaSloth
0 people found this review helpful
4 days ago
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

More than I ever expected

This drama left a lasting impression on me... I was hesitant to start it at first because the synopsis didn’t sound particularly appealing to me, despite the countless recommendations. I’m so glad I decided to give it a chance. So if you're anything like me and have been putting this drama off, I hope this review gives you that little push to finally watch it.

I enjoyed every second of this show. Even during the quieter moments when not much was happening, I was completely invested. The main storyline was captivating, and the characters made every scene worthwhile. I LOVED THEM ALL.

I went through a full range of emotions while watching which is something that doesn't happen often for me. I felt happy, sad, angry, frustrated, and even embarrassed at times.

SPOILER!!

My only complaint is, I would have loved to see more reactions from the supporting characters when Ji Eun Tak died. We didn't get to see that at all. The ending felt a little anticlimactic also. After everything the characters went through I wanted a more emotional payoff. I was hoping to see them run into each other's arms, overwhelmed with relief and excitement. Those moments felt like missed opportunities and would have made the finale even more satisfying.

Despite that, this is still a drama that will stay with me for a very long time, and one that I would happily recommend to others.

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Completed
DramaMama
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 17, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

The legendary Goblin and his bromance

This drama is genuinely soo good even after years

1) The child actress in the first episode is soo excellent. She's an amazing actress.
2) The production quality of Goblin is excellent but the first few episodes also make it clear that the direction has also been masterfully done.
3) Story starts unfolding slowly and tbh, I am not into the romance at all here. Most people aren't. This drama is all about supernatural quirks of these unserious characters in a serious storyline
4) The villain did look like a leech that will stick to you until he destroys you so kudos to him
5) The second couple is adorable.
6) Music, ah yes! The music is excellent in this drama. It has the power to take you back in time
7) All three characters had excellent chemistry with each other and everyone had a great comic timing. The humor is the fun part of the drama
8) The romance that develops much later in the drama after the leap is quite beautiful as well. You see the FL as the woman who knows what she wants and you are able to see the depth of her feelings as well

Overall, this drama is very special and the blueprint to a lot of fantasy dramas that came after it.

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Completed
yaddle_t
0 people found this review helpful
May 1, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
Unique and interesting storyline that keeps up your interest. I did feel that the last few episodes were dragged unnecessarily, but otherwise enjoyable. The shooting quality was really great.

Good diversity of characters and personality. Actors and their performance were Ok. My favorite duo was the Goblin and the Grim reaper. Their scenes are great fun.

The soundtrack was fantastic and fitted well with the drama.

I would like to re-watch this in the future. Overall an enjoyable experience.

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Completed
clarissa3658
0 people found this review helpful
Oct 29, 2019
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
Okay I’m done bawling my eyes out now.

But man. Oh. My. God. I get it now. I understand all the high ratings. I understand the love for this drama. I understand it all.

This drama was just too high quality for me. It is a masterpiece, through and through. Everything about it. A few points:

- Stunning scenery & cinematography
- Gorgeous soundtrack, beautiful (just put on Winter is Coming.mp3 or And I'm Here.mp3 and I’ll be a wreck)
- Quality storyline
- Slow and steady pacing
- Great acting
- Superb chemistry for our main 2 romantic couples (and bromance couple)

I took my time watching this show in order to savour its beauty. This show was such a rollercoaster. Since there is a lot of angst, when our characters smile, it is like seeing the sun come out after years of rain. You’ll have the fluffiest scenes of all time that you are unprepared for and then more angst comes and smacks you in the face. But god I loved it all - it made me feel SO many things. I had never seen two characters that encapsulated the word ‘soulmates’ like Kim Shin and Ji Eun Tak. Those lovers deserve the world and more.

My final thoughts are the immense satisfaction and gratification for allowing myself to watch this paragon of a drama.

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Completed
ste_jorge
0 people found this review helpful
May 30, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

a história em si é mto boa

conta a história de uma menina que em um dia muito triste de seu aniversário, faz um desejo e o Globin acaba escutando.. com isso, eles acabam se conhecendo e ela percebe que sempre que faz um desejo ele aparece. Todavia, ele tem uma espada no coração que apenas uma única pessoa pode ver, e essa pessoa é ela, mas, essa espada pode trazer a morte dele.
é uma história de fantasia, romance e bem engraçada, gostei, mas não achei incrível como todas as pessoas acham, até porque levei um tempão para terminar.
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Completed
halmeonie
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 18, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers
A fantastic drama minus the love line of the main leads if I'm being honest. If the writer just focused on the story of Kim Shin, Wang Yeo/Grim Reaper, and Sunny then it would have been meatier. I just find their story more engaging and ripe with conflict starting from 900 years in the storyline. But well, what's a KES drama without cheesy romance, right? Also, the chemistry between the cast (sorry, main leads not included - I just can't see/feel it) is superb! The bantering Goblin and GR, Deokhwa and his samchons, Sunny and GR, even Sunny and the Goblin.

The overall concept and story are done well. I'm even invested in GR's tea house. I think that if GR has a drama of his own, focusing on the souls coming to his tea house, I'd watch it. From the few scenes we've seen, it was both heartwarming, funny, sad, and sometimes infuriating. Who could forget about the dog who waited for his/her pawrent so they can both go to the afterlife? It also touches on the concept of life and death and rebirth, how in life, we are presented with choices and it is us who ultimately chooses which to take. The angst between GR and the Goblin, and of course, GR and Sunny are well done as well. You understand each character and why they chose to do the things they did. At the end of the drama, I just can't help but feel something bittersweet about the Goblin. He made his choice and that entails being alone forever when the time comes that Eun Tak can't reincarnate. The drama just left a taste of sadness.

I remember we were in Korea when this drama was airing. Everywhere we go, I hear the OST being played. It's one of the few dramas that I liked all OSTs. The songs really left a mark and it was used well in the drama. Even now when I hear Stay With Me, I still feel a little bit of sadness.

It's not a perfect drama but it's good in all the right places.

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  • Score: 8.8 (scored by 168,013 users)
  • Ranked: #179
  • Popularity: #1
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