Guardian: The Lonely and Great God

쓸쓸하고 찬란하神 - 도깨비 ‧ Drama ‧ 2016 - 2017
Completed
pgptp
4 people found this review helpful
Jan 19, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 3.0
Story 4.0
Acting/Cast 4.5
Music 5.0
Rewatch Value 4.0

Disappointing Journey


Goblin had the potential to be a captivating fantasy series, but unfortunately, it fell flat in several key areas, leaving viewers more frustrated than enchanted. While it had some interesting concepts, the execution left much to be desired, resulting in a rather disappointing experience.

From the outset, the premise of Goblin seemed intriguing. The idea of a cursed goblin searching for his bride to end his immortality is a unique twist on the fantasy genre. However, the plot quickly became convoluted and meandering, with too many subplots that detracted from the main story. Instead of a cohesive narrative, viewers were left with a patchwork of disjointed storylines that felt rushed and poorly developed.

Character development was another significant issue. While the main characters had potential, their arcs felt shallow and unfulfilled. The goblin, who should have been a complex and sympathetic figure, often came across as one-dimensional and lacking depth. His interactions with other characters felt forced and lacked the emotional weight necessary to make the audience care about his journey. Supporting characters were similarly underdeveloped, often serving as mere plot devices rather than fully realized individuals.

The pacing of Goblin was also problematic. There were moments of intense drama that were quickly followed by long stretches of filler content that dragged the story down. This inconsistency made it difficult to stay engaged, as viewers were often left waiting for the plot to pick up again. The tonal shifts were jarring, with moments of humor that felt out of place in an otherwise serious narrative.

Visually, Goblin had its moments, with some impressive cinematography and set designs that captured the fantasy elements. However, even the beautiful visuals couldn’t compensate for the lack of substance in the story. The special effects, while decent, didn’t elevate the overall experience, as they were often overshadowed by the weak plot and character development.

The dialogue in Goblin was another area of concern. Much of it felt clichéd and uninspired, lacking the wit and charm that one would expect from a fantasy series. Characters often delivered lines that felt forced or overly dramatic, detracting from the authenticity of their interactions. This lack of natural dialogue made it difficult to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

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Completed
David33
3 people found this review helpful
Jul 17, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 2
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

This is a good show overall!

I watched this after a really long time, because I tend to ignore shows that are more hyped!

The concept is fantastic, nothing original, but good. The whole romance story was weird as hell in the first half. I mean, the girl is 18 and the Goblin is 900+ but even if we don't care about that because this is a fantasy, his real age is around 30+ or something. The chemistry between Gong Yoo and Kim Go Eun in the first was more like a dad and daughter, and when the romance started for real it was even more weird, because she always called him "Ahjussi". After the 9 years time skip, it was much, it was like two adults. I feel they should've start with Eun Tak as an adult already.

Also, like with many other Kdrama, especially with fantasy, the plot was all over the place. I hate when characters don't speak up and say what they want to say.

Some of the problems they had to face were solved pretty easily. When he finally dies, I thought he might get a second chance to live a normal life, but no. He came back as a Goblin again. Why? Makes zero sense. If they bring him back as a Goblin, at least let them live together till she dies in old age.

She spent 9 years "waiting" for him, she even wrote a note for herself, yet in all these years she never mentioned it or moved on? Come on now. Only 2 people remembered him, so she should've moved on. Especially, because Sunny never said a single thing. She watched her friend suffering, even had to take pills for her heart, yet she didn't do anything. This whole amnesia plot was messed up. The way they brought him back is even worse! In 9 years, she never blew out a candle? Who believes that? It's not like she lived alone. No one ever bought her a cake in 9 years?

The most frustrating part of the story is probably the fact that they killed her in the finale, so they can have like a 2 minute long scene at the end as a child again. What the heck?

At least the story with Sunny and the Reaper was better.

The bromance was funny as hell, and there were so many good things on the show, it's just frustrating, because with a little more focus on the writing, this show could've been perfect.

Even with all the problems, I think I will rewatch it once or twice.

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Completed
hardpliers
2 people found this review helpful
Apr 7, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This must be added to my list of favorite Korean Dramas. I'm amazed at how these Asian dramas are starting to get better and more unique every year, and Goblin is definitely a piece of gold in this big and wide range of Korean Dramas.
I have to start off with the storyline. I've always been quite a fan of mythical creatures, especially stories about Japanese deities and gods in anime. When I first saw that this story revolves around similar folklore beasts and spirits, I was swiftly drawn into it. It was quite a ride seeing the mythical creatures being portrayed by the amazing and super talented actors. I mean, the Goblin and the Grim Reaper's bromance speaks for itself. At first glance, I thought that the main couple, the Goblin and his bride, was kind of strange and unrelatable, but they made such a cute connection during the series. I've been familiar with Kim Go Eun's acting in Cheese In The Trap so it was quite a surprise seeing her act as a bubbly and fun character, unlike the other drama. However, my biggest appreciation of romance goes to the ultimate Grim Reaper and Sunny. Their screen time is so strong and made me quite anxious each and every episode... Their chemistry is unbelievable, they definitely need a separate series! *totally would watch*
The OST was selected perfectly. Loved the little touch of incorporating classical and pop music. The breathtaking shots of the nature and Quebec made the visuals of this drama out of this world unforgettable!
Not only does this drama combine polar genres like comedy, romance, history and tragedy into one harmonized series, but also it combines existential and every day problems with the perception of time. Never has a Korean Drama changed my views on death and love like Goblin. This is worth appearing onto national television it was that good! I'm gonna miss it, but it's also in a need of a re-watch sometime soon!

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Completed
Oh Soo-Jin
2 people found this review helpful
Aug 11, 2019
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
I don't know how to review this marvellous drama. ????????❤️ word's aren't enough to describe how amazing it was to watching this Drama.When i started watching this show I had already known that this was the most popular K drama. From 1st episode till last you get attached with it. This is one of the best drama seriously... Full of all sorts of emotion.. a damn positive drama... last episode brings you to another world & you can feel it... some scenes really made me cry... not solely belong to romcom but Soo More than that.
Plot of this Drama is unique & strong, extremely amazing!!
Acting... What to say... Everyone did their job PERFECTLY ... but i praise Gong yoo & Kim Go-Eun .???????? She is Amazing seriously... and bromance between Lee dong wook and Gong yoo is cute though.
And Mesmerizing OST... specially Stay with me, Heaven, Beautiful life, I miss you, best background score..
Hats off to the makers and everyone who made this drama so special.❤️????????

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Completed
Cherill
2 people found this review helpful
May 22, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I loved Goblin! It's definitely a show that take you on an emotional roller coaster.
One of my favorite things about this show is the character development. The chemistry all the actors have with each other is amazing and it's so exciting to see how they change throughout the series.
Yes, Kim Go Eun was young compared to others but I think she fit the role perfectly and really brought Ji Eun Tak to life.
Even though I cried watching Goblin, I would definitely watch this again and recommend it to everyone!
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Completed
Nourhanne
2 people found this review helpful
Jun 1, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I started to watch kdramas 2 months ago
I started with some kdramas with highest reviews and most popular, i liked them but not much, when i find goblin and read the summary i didn't liked it at first, but i decided to give it a try, first ep was so boring but i also had feelings that it would be better, and i was totally right!
It's perfect! Story, music, cast they were all perfect, i still looking for dramas like this masterpiece!
Iam not a fan of those kind of stories but i started to love them after Goblin, you should give it a try!!!
Note: Some episods are too long but not boring if you watch 1ep each day. Lol
just an advice for you❤

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Completed
ilovedoramas2k20
2 people found this review helpful
Jun 12, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
WELL THE FIRST THING I HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THIS DRAMA IS ALMOST PERFECTION!

My favourite drama of all time, for sure!

I cannot say when was the last time i saw a drama like this and fell in love with it from the beginning to the end, was so well done.
The chemistry between the actors is always there, between all of them and kudos for the main couple, even tho the female lead is younger than her male lead co star and has less experience, she was sooo good at it, i mean she has such potential she can mesmerize you with just one look, her eyes spoke in every scene with such emotion it gave me chills. I loved it!
The male lead is also fantastic, he has way more experience of course and many acting skills under his belt already but he still surprised me on how good and natural his acting is and he was so good with his younger female co star, they worked very well together. He is such a handsome cute bear :D i just wanted to hug him all the time and wished i was in her shoes XD (shame on me i know lol but i really couldn’t help it, i fell in love with him and her <3)

The story itself develops at a nice pace, i have no complaints what so ever and the whole production and special effects were through the roof on this one as well, major skills there and a great investment on the directors and writters part, i as a viewer was both delighted and honored to be able to see it and enjoy this drama so much :)

The characters grow as the story goes as well, it deals with a lot of issues between life and death, pain and betrayal but also has a kind and comic side to it, some funny and heart warming moments to balance the mood set through the story and it's really well done, as to not always be sad and heavy, nor is it too bubbly and happy all the time. A good and perfect balance between the 2.

It's a love story, a very deep one no less but it ends up also being so much more at the end of the day. It pans out into so many branches and possibilities, as we see the characters lives get mixed up together, all the problems and obstacles that show up and mess up their peace of mind.
I got hooked up with this drama from day one and i couldn’t stop myself from doing a marathon with all the episodes until i finished. I was just so drawn into the story and the main couple i couldn’t look away, i always wanted more, i wanted to know what was gonna happen next, with all of them.

I laughed, i got second hand embarassment, i giggled like a crazy girl fangirling about something cute, i actually got excited to get a decent kiss and some real intimate demonstration for affection from the main couple, i was surprised and shocked with some revelations, all the joy and sadness, i cried my eyes out so bad for the whole thing, i felt the love and it warmed my heart deeply, it was really a roller coaster of emotions for me.
When i ended watching it i was no longer the same person and i loved this drama for it.

(Just a side note, i mean i know that they were portraying a big age difference between the main leads and they wanted to keep it pure and innocent until she “officially” was an adult in the story but c’mon, i’ve seen younger actors and people do way worse things on tv shows when they are playing love scenes - and i’m leaving the skinship out of this conversation ok?- but a good and normal passionate kiss wont kill or steal someones innocence for gods sake. What goes on in these peoples minds completely amazes me and not in a good way. I mean people in love they kiss, they hug, it's not like i’m asking them to get naked and have some more steamy moments but a bit more intimacy like all couples have. I guess another reason was also the judgement from the korean viewers, people often discriminate about these things and public demonstrations of affection as well. It gets me triggered a bit i mean, its just a kiss or a hug, if you want to show someone you love them, even in public, there shouldn’t be any judgement, its not like they are committing a crime for fricking sake. Geshhh people, you see worse things on the streets everyday and you don’t judge as much, go figure T_T I’ll stop ranting now, sorry XD)

My heart was never the same after watching it. It raised way high my stakes on dramas to a whole new level and i’m afraid nothing coming after it can even begin to compare.

I highly recomend it and to watch it a milion times over and over, until your heart and soul are both content XD

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Completed
MorbidCupcake
2 people found this review helpful
May 8, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.5
This show. I love this show. I watched it when it was first coming out, and let me just tell you: that first episode? Hit me hard. I love the balance of funny with badass that they have with the Goblin (whom's my favorite actor) and the Grim Reaper (whom is now on my favorite actor list). This whole show is a great juggling act of funny and sad and romance. It's brilliantly done in my opinion~

Honestly, the only thing I didn't like was the ending, which was a bit much and kinda pointless, but alas~ It's still good, and it honestly doesn't take that much away for me~

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Completed
Mai Galasies
2 people found this review helpful
Dec 3, 2019
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This drama hit me on a different level.
It is very emotional and loving. I have never cried or think this much about ANY kdrama before and trust me I;ve watched A LOT of dramas before.

JUST WATCH IT. YOU WILLLL NEVVERR REGRET A THInmgg

Even though the age gap is kinda weird, it is how it is to be.
Also Grim Reaper is kinda cute i thought it would be like a typical love triangle or something but this hit straight on.
THE PLOT IS SO AMAZSINGNNGN. it goes back detally back in the times and their past lives contributing to the detail of their old lives.

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Completed
Mohamed44412
2 people found this review helpful
May 6, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10

When all just comes together with perfection a symphony is born.

OK Guys, this is my first time ever to write a review but that one is worth it to me and it really doesn't need a second thoughts to watch it I'm telling you guys that drama has everything from laughter to sadness to heart worming love to suspense, will there to many things to put it in a simple review but I'm just saying the story and the acting and the filming came together in the right time the music marge in and they make a wonderful combination and the camera work with slowing the time at the right moment it just breathtaking. Watch it and you will see what I'm trying so hard to describe in that review and know it doesn't do justice by it.
thank you.
M.G.Shanab

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Completed
Zoe
2 people found this review helpful
Apr 28, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I haven't been able to find anything that I love as much as Goblin. Literally the only complaint I can think of is that the story drags a little bit when I wanted more elsewhere, so I wish that time was used a little better, but it's really only a criticism when compared to itself because the story is mostly amazing and well paced.

Other than that, I can't think of anything I would change. The acting is amazing, the styling and cinematography is gorgeous, and the OST is hands down my favorite of any drama.

Don't let the age gap freak you out, it serves a metaphorical purpose in the story (the motif of the seasons) and we as the viewers know that no one is being taken advantage of.

This is one of those shows I have to stop myself from comparing every other show to, because if I did, very few things would measure up.

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Completed
Kmini
2 people found this review helpful
Aug 5, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
This show was like nothing id ever seen before the casting was amazing.I can't imagine anybody else playing those roles.it was a great balance between drama,romance,and comedy.only reason I gave it a 9 was cause there was some moments that dragged out a little long but overall it is an amazing show.the words were great the sets fit the characters so well and the outside shots are beautiful.I was hesitant to watch this show because a show about a goblin didn't really peak my interest but Im so glad I tried.
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