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Great Atmosphere, But the Main Leads Had Me Scratching My Head
I’ll start with the positives—the production quality and music are top-tier. The opening episodes sucked me in with the incredible atmosphere and pacing, and the chemistry between the second leads was chef’s kiss. But I have some serious gripes with the story and the main characters that made me feel like I was on a rollercoaster with a broken seatbelt.The Main Leads: Confusing at Best, Cringe at Worst
The Male Lead is… Old, but Also a Child?
I mean, come on. He’s ancient—very, VERY old. Like, we’re talking multiple centuries of experience here. But somehow, he acts like a confused teenager. When he was a soldier, the guy was calm, calculating, and cool. But fast forward to his immortal life, and he turns into this soft, awkward mess. What happened? Did immortality give him eternal wisdom or just eternal awkwardness?
The Female Lead is Just… Odd.
Okay, she’s totally cool with some random guy popping out of nowhere with magical powers? If I saw a dude with a sword sticking out of his chest, I’d run so fast Usain Bolt would take notes. But nope—she just rolls with it like it’s the most normal thing in the world. I get suspension of disbelief, but come on.
Nitpicks & The Stuff I Loved
The music? Amazing. It fits the tone so perfectly that I’m still humming it at random moments.
Honestly, I would’ve preferred a show focused on the Grim Reapers. That storyline had much more potential than what we got. The second leads? Gold. I wanted more episodes just to dive deeper into their characters and give them the impact they deserved.
When the Wheels Fell Off
The first 10 episodes? I was hooked—completely in. But then came the moment when the female lead tries to run away from the male lead, and wow. That scene was so cringe I almost threw my remote. I get that they were going for emotional conflict, but it just came off as forced and awkward.
Final Thoughts
This show had everything going for it—fantastic production, music, and promising side characters. But the confusing behavior of the main leads and some awkward story moments derailed it for me. If it had focused more on the second leads or the Grim Reapers, I think this could’ve been legendary. Still, it’s worth a watch, just don’t be surprised if you find yourself cringing here and there.
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Story
This has been one of the most beautiful series I have watched. I fell in love with gong yoo. There was just something about him. I was mesmerised by him. Lee dong wook was amazing also and I have followed all his series and films but dong yoo was someone I hadn't seen before but I will look to see what he has starred in. KimGo Eun just fitted this part so well and jelled with the two male leads. All who took part in this series were brill.
Plenty of eye candy. The story was beautiful from start to finish and to the director and scriptwriter this deserved all the praise it received in 2016..I will watch it again.
Sending love from the UK.. ❤️ X
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OHHHHHHH My HEARRRRRRT!!!
This drama is easily one of my Top Favorites, no matter how many times I watch it, I always fall in love all over again and get shattered in the process. This is such a good drama. It packs one hell of a punch! The cast couldn't have been better, they did a phenomenal job with their rolls. The soundtrack was great! This story is a tragic one, it will have you on the edge of your seat so consumed by the lives of each character and trying to unravel the past and find the connections to the present. Some would call this is an age gap romance. Our male lead is guardian god (a Goblin) has been living since with an immortal curse for the past 939 years, the only one who can release him from his life of immortality is the Goblin's Bride. Knowing that you should be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster! Our little bride is a 20 year old girl who has lived a very hard, exhausting, sad life. When our two cross paths it's a hilariously beautiful and bittersweet thing. I was so unprepared. I fell so hard for the Grim Reaper, who is just simply existing, neither alive nor dead, carrying out his duties a punishmentVond je deze recentie nuttig?
1Story
I didn’t have a problem with the age difference. The ML is 939 years old. Anyone under 800 wouldn’t have anything in common with him. But seriously, the ML and FL have been touched and in their eyes cursed by the supernatural, so these are not two ordinary people. Most importantly, she is the Goblin’s bride, not wife. She has one job and I won’t spoil it here but it is not to warm his bed. He never comes across as some old geezer trying to seduce her. Even by Kdrama standards, this one is chaste.
The Goblin knows what her job is, anticipates and accepts it. But the moment she brings hope and light into his life the conflict within him and the story explodes. As he watches her and feels his heart begin to beat again the poetry that springs forth from him was so beautiful it gave my brain a little orgasm.
The conflicts in this story are mostly internal but the stakes are high.
I usually skim the secondary characters’ stories because too often they seem like filler and distract from the main storyline. Not this time. The Reaper’s and Sunny’s stories were seamlessly interwoven and integral to the main story.
The bromance between the Goblin and Reaper is legendary so I won’t go into it.
I watched every minute of this drama, savoring each one. Forgiveness plays a big role in this story. Our characters find it is not easily earned or given, whether it be for the self, others, or The Powers That Be.
Acting
This was my first time for all these actors and I wouldn’t make a single casting change.
Gong Yoo did an amazing job as ruthless warrior, tragic guardian angel and Oscar to the Reaper’s Felix.
Kim Go Eun did a good job as the girl both afflicted and blessed by her special case.
The secondary characters were all spot on and Lee Dong Wook has to be one of the most beautiful criers in the business.
OST
I don’t normally pay attention to the music unless I love it or despise it. The music in Goblin enhanced the story without distracting from it, a difficult task. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The cinematography was stunning. I had to shush my photographer husband who kept commenting on it. Which brings me to the rewatch value.
Rewatch Value
My husband who has only watched a few scattered episodes of Asian dramas sat down and watched this with me on my second go around. We laughed and cried together (damn allergies!). I will watch it again. And again.
This story of love, family, friendship, redemption, and forgiveness is definitely worth a try.
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After thinking about this overnight, and some more thought it time to give my thoughts. Story: AI'm Not one for historical dramas, but I feel this was a great start for me, in historical dramas. It not really all historical but it a very intriguing part of Goblin. The Romance was really great in this, I have one flaw but can't really go into it because of spoilers
Acting/Cast: I'm not going to be doing the acting/cast the way i usually do a person in the cast but I'm going to do the chemistry. Gong Yoo, and Lee Dong Wook, is the first two I want to discuss. They had the perfect bromance in this that made me really love it between the two were really what made the show for me. the other one is Gong Yoo and Kim Go Eun had great chemistry, and they had great chemistry with their romance was really well done. Honorable mention to the second lead chemistry.
Music: The song that stuck out to m the most in this drama was Stay With Me. It fit the show so well, and It lets me have somewhat I call, that it made me love the show more. the other songs were OK, but they did not stick much (which is saying much because music is what I rate hard in dramas).
Rewatch/Overall: Overall this is a 10 for me, I love this show so much that it worth a watch. The re watch value is also a 10, I will rewatch this.
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and you don't even yearn for a new season because it ended so
beautifully...i just really like how they sorta made a great conclusion
to the love that was happening here and really show us how everything
will/would end. They didn't leave the ending in the open which honestly
way too many dramas do.
Goblin was seriously the best drama i
have ever seen and the animation and direction of the drama was
gorgeous. The Actors were simply perfect and let's be honest
THE BROMANCE WAS ON POINT!
Never seen this great bromance before!!
Of course there are probably many demanding a new season because they'd
like to see more of the ending but i feel like this would ruin the whole ending, it was just too beautiful. This drama should not have anymore episodes because it's just dat well
finished.
(Specials and Cuts scenes are always welcomed tho)
Goblin 10/10
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It definitely deserved its hype. It's one of those few dramas that actually deserved the hype. It has SUBSTANCE (very important for me) and you can not not finish it or else your questions about the drama will just remain as questions. Most episodes left me at awe and a lot of scenes gave me goosebumps. The second half of the drama was exceptional and I'm glad because a lot of dramas lose its beauty as they reach the second half. Goblin didn't.
Most of all, I love the relationships in the drama specifically of the four main leads: the goblin and his bride, kim woo bin and sunny, goblin and the grim reaper, part timer and her boss, the missing soul and the grim reaper, the queen and his brother, the king and the sister of the traitor, the king and his warrior. And you should never just shrug off the side characters — they play significant roles to the dramas's story.
And do I even need to explain why I rated the music a 10? The whole universe would agree that Goblin's OSTs were beyond amazing. And it wasn't just their music that was pleasing, the cinematography itself was aesthetically satisfying.
I gave the rewatch value a 8.5 only because if I rewatch again, I'd only focus on the second half of the drama and the humor of the first half (except episode 1 and 2 those were amazing episodes).
Overall, Goblin was an amazing drama. Not only because I cried a bucket of tears, but because it showcased how rich human (and nonhuman lol) relationships can be. How a single person can change your once believed "life full of punishments," how forgiveness can heal not only the person forgiven but also you yourself and that actually, the existence of death makes life even more meaningful.
I can't even express myself properly through words *sighs* thank you Goblin. You are a gem.
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The combination of the breathtaking way scenes were filmed, and the wealth of heart Goblin possessed was enough to pull me in. I don't usually talk about editing but I have to say that Goblin's editing and stylistic filming are one of my favorites out of all dramas. I love the historic backstory, sometimes even more than the present. The historic story was the anchor of the emotional resonance of the present timeline.
Goblin's world of fantasy was fun, woven well, and interesting. The rules aren't always the most clear but I can accept that. The core of the story lied in the actions and consequences of the Goblin, and the lives he touched. Of course, the bromance between the Goblin and the Grim Reaper is my favorite relationship by far. The dry insults they pass back and forth amongst themselves are the best because under the insults lies affection, as much as they hate to admit it.
The romance in Goblin wasn't the most important to me until the second half of the drama, when the stakes were raised higher and the emotions felt heavier. Admittedly, I didn't love the romance between the Kim Shin and Eun Tak in the beginning because their relationship seemed to be more of a lost soul to lost soul connection, and not a romantic one. It wasn't until later did I finally feel their subtle chemistry, then I fell head in for them in the second half. Disclaimer: I cried so much, so freaking much. Be prepared to cry in the latter half of the drama. (This is a good thing, I think!)
The romance between the Grim Reaper and Sunny is poignant and heart wrenching. Their history lent their romance more weight but their present romance is filled with charged, tense chemistry all on their own. I loved them together honestly! SO much chemistry.Everyone's performance was fantastic. I have no complaints.
The soundtrack is AMAZING. OST's of a drama are so important to me in creating a more emotional bond with the scene and Goblin's is just on point in every take. Every song is utilized so well in the dramas and just add so much depth to the scenes.
Now, the not so good:
As I mentioned in the beginning, the drama did tend to linger and prolong many moments, which made them feel long. There were also times, especially in the beginning, where I feel like the plot became a little repetitive. However, the drama definitely became better and faster as the episodes went by, maybe because I got used to the length of it, but the plot also got tighter and more emotionally thrilling.
The ending, to me, felt very bittersweet. I cried loads and I feel somewhat unsatisfied. It is very memorable though, so there's that.
I definitely recommend Goblin to everyone, if anything, at least to try to see if it fits their taste. Disregarding the complaints about this drama, especially about the age gap controversy, I still think Goblin is a drama for everyone to at least try because Goblin is so much more than just the romantic relationships.
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PERFECTION!!!!
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The photography of this drama is the best I've seen in my whole life. Either in other KDramas, Chinese dramas, American dramas, American movies, French movies... Each frame of this drama is beautifully captured. My congratulation to the team behind this drama. They did a wonderful and beautiful job!
Story (10): Just to start... Gong Yoo. His my oppa! I really love him and his acting skills are amazing. However, his last dramas weren't my favorite, not because of his acting, but 'cause I thought they were too previsible. But this one, guys... I never got bored! The plot is phenomenal and each character has his own part of the story.
The story's about a goblin and his bride, a girl who sees ghosts; a grim reaper and a very strong woman and their journey to be together. Their past mixes with their future. The romance is cute and funny, not lame. It has it all: romance, mystery, fantasy and a lot of bromance and funny moments!
Acting/Cast (10): Gong Yoo... The words speak for themselves. He's the main character, plays the goblin. His bride is Kim Go Eun, also amazing but, between the main characters, the one I disliked more. Even so, 9/10! The Grim Reaper is my favorite character and is played by Lee Dong Wook. I didn't know him but I fell in love right from the 1st episode. He did an amazing job. Yoo In Na plays Sunny, that strong women, who the Grim Reaper falls for. The Grim Reaper and Sunny are my OTP! They have an incredible chemistry on set.
I won't be talking about the other members of the cast or else I won't finish this review today!
Music (9.5): I'm completely hooked on "Beautiful" from Crush. Also, on "You're so beautiful", from Eddy Kim; "Stay with me", from Punch feat Chanyeol; "I miss you", from Soyou, etc, etc.... I gave it 9.5 'cause it's not the best OST that I have ever listened to, however, it's completely made for the drama and addictive. And that's what matters!
Rewatch Value (10): I never rewatch a drama! The only thing that I do repeat is films. I sometimes also repeat my favorite scenes from the dramas I've seen. However, I never rewatch the whole drama.
Should I correct myself? I've never rewatched a whole drama but I'll definitely rewatch this one. Not now, I'm too sad that it has ended however in the near future I'll rewatch it and watch it with new eyes and fall in love with it all over again...
PS: There's a kiss between the Grim Reaper and Sunny that's very similar to a "statue kiss" (for some reason this type of kiss is a must in every KDrama). It's not a really "statue kiss" (thank the gods!) but it's similar. I just expected a little more at that point as they share great chemistry. But, cheer up! That was the only bad thing in this drama! 11/10!!
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For you question why you should watch it? Here are my reasons :
If we talk about casting- though I'm new to this, I do Google a lot- I don't think their couldn't be any better then this.
Gong Yoo did an amazing job. I watched his movie 'Train to Busan' and one could say it hands down that he is an amazing actor, who knows how to do his job. And God his smile....Killer!!!
I loved the 19 year old, over enthusiastic Ji Eun Tak who was portrayed by Kim Go Eun. The way we get to see how her character grew throughout the series was a treat.
I love Lee Dong Wook as the Grim Reaper. I probably have a crush on the character and the way Lee Dong Wook showed his emotions in it, was amazing. I totally get it why he wanted this character so much.
Sunny was my favorite. She was strong and I'm probably never going to see a chicken shop owner the same way. Yoo In Na, changed that for all of us.
Duk-Hwa played by Yook Sung Jae was so cute and such an 'rich heir'
The story line was perfect in it's own. The fact that it was a fantasy drama, it lives up the name with romance, comedy and mystery.
'The lady in red', 'The king', 'How Duk-Hwa knew stuffs' there are questions that will make sure you stick by the TV screen.
And then there is the 'Bromance' The fling between Goblin & Grim Reaper will make you love them so hard. They are funny and cheesy and you are going to love every second of it. The scene where they walk together from the tunnel and the music going on the background, I laughed so hard.
Goblin and his bride - Eun Tak is second in the cute couple. They're cuteness will make you cheeks hurt.
The story between Sunny and Grim Reaper is a little sad compared to the other. But the beginning was full of fluff and sweet stuffs.
Each and every song in this drama is perfect with the story. They will stuck in your head for days and you will be forced to play them over and over again. I'm doing this my self - while re-watching the show for the second time. Especially loved 'Winter is coming' it is just a wonderful piece to listen too.
In short..
The songs were perfect. The cast was perfect. The story was incredible. And everything about it ...will make you fall in love with it.
So if you are one of those people out there, who haven't seen it yet, I would like to tell you....WATCH IT.
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I think this drama just stole the first place in my favorites list! I laughed, I cried, it moved me Bob! Go watch this amazing drama now! Stop reading! Honestly, this is the highest quality drama I have ever seen. Not just the best, but the cinematography, the sets, the costumes, yes EVEN the Visual Effects were magnificently amazing. I didn't have to cringe my way through a scene that looked fake! No, instead I would be thinking "Wow, what amazing camerawork, what an ingenious way to show that, look at that scenery!..." etc, etc, etc. Story (10.0):
I have yet to give a 10 across the board, and rating the story a 10 is almost as rare. This story is literally gobsmackingly amazing! If you need some context, it reminded me of a mix of some of my other favorite dramas: Healer just for the vibe of secrets and connections to be found; Queen In Hyun's Man for the previous lifetime, man from another time sort of story with an impossible love; Legend of the Blue Sea with similar feels of previous lifetimes and fated character connections, touches of supernatural. But honestly, it was also completely its own thing. It reminded me of elements from those other dramas, but took those and transcended them!
Goblin was the perfect mix of romance and bromance, comedy and tragedy, love and heartbreak, life and death... This drama had way more than I asked of it and didn't ever once go off the rails. I won't spoil the ending or anything, but at the end of the drama I had SO MUCH FEELS I felt like I'd just watched a 50 episode Saeguk instead of a measly 16 episode package of awesomeness!
I've heard some complaints about the lead female roles characters, but honestly what really made me love this story and made it stick out from all the other dramas I've seen was the characters and the interaction between the characters, the ways they try to express their feelings and learn from those around them, the witty banter and dialogue! I can't say how many times I laughed in this drama! I think episode 10 was my favorite just from this one hilarious bromance scene... AHHH! I want to write more about this story because it was pure GENIUS, but I can't say much more without giving some spoilers. Read the plot if you--never mind just go watch this.
Acting/Cast (10.0):
Perfection. I can't say I've finished anything Gong Yoo has been in and I honestly couldn't deal with Cheese in the Trap; nor have I watched much with Lee Dong Wook... BUT THEY WERE AMAZING. All those main three... I seriously can't deal with it. The story and dialogue was my favorite part between these three and they delivered the heck out of this. The bromance between Gong Yoo and Lee Dong Wook was just the best. And I'm not forgetting the just as brilliant performances of Yoo In Na and Yook Sung Jae, on the contrary, I've seen these two in other dramas, most notably Queen In Hyun's Man and School 2015, and I loved them both there! How could I not like them here! I was always so sad to see Yoo In Na in the "evil" roles like in Secret Garden and You Who Came From the Stars, so it's a pleasure again to be rooting for her.
I mentioned I couldn't get through Cheese in the Trap, but it was nothing to do with Kim Go Eun. Seriously, she was perfect for this role and acted it out splendidly. At first I was wary of the romance between her and Gong Yoo, and while they aren't my favorite couple out there, they really did a great job together! It was just great.
As far as secondary actors go, I don't remember one bad actor... If I remember right, there may have been some of that classic KDrama cheesy English, but no biggie for everything else we get out of this show! Oh, props for Kim So Hyun! One of my favorite Actresses, I was so overjoyed to see her in this and she looks great in a historical setting! I'm so enjoying seeing her in Ruler: Master of the Mask after her role here in Goblin.
Music (9.5):
I really wanted to give this 10 all the way across the board and honestly this soundtrack is really good! I even listen to it on its own which I don't do unless I really enjoy a soundtrack. But it wasn't perfect for me as some of the songs didn't really fit with me. But I still gave it the highest possible rating I could without hitting that ten mark!
Rewatch Value (10.0):
Yes, a 10. Usually my rewatch values match pretty closely to the story value, and this is no exception. The story is just amazing especially the first time through when you don't know what's going to happen, but the interactions of the characters is just such a joy to watch that I've already started rewatching this! To be honest with you all, I watched the first half of this drama when it was first coming out; I loved it, but stuff happened and I never actually finished the drama... gasp! So when I was coming back to it, I was like whatever let's watch the first part again, and my rewatching hasn't stopped from there. This drama... I don't think I'll ever stop rewatching it. And I rarely rewatch anything, so yeah, it's good. Go watch it so you can rewatch it.
Overall (10.0):
How could I not give this drama a ten? The story was astounding, the acting was incredible, the music was amazing, everything was practically perfect in every way! I feel like I've said everything up above but that I still have so much more to say! I'm having trouble expressing how much I enjoyed this without posting spoilers... I'll probably be coming back to post new stuff in this review because I know I have more to say about this but it's all fled my mind to be replaced with the desire to go watch this again. Annyeong!!! Salanghae!!! P.S. Not my longest review, only coming in at a little over 1.1k words, but it's still a great effort. Hope this convinced you to go watch this drama.
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