“Goblin/Guardian: The Lonely And Great God” Review: An Emotional Ride You Need

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Picture a centuries-old, sword-wielding hunk with a fate so tangled, it makes your weekly to-do list look like a breeze. Welcome to the whirlwind that is “Goblin” or “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God,” a K-drama that swept the globe off its feet, mixing fantasy, romance, and a pinch of existential angst like they’re going out of style.

Our hero, Kim Shin, is no ordinary guy. He’s an immortal goblin who spends his days brooding in postcard-worthy snowy scenes, on a quest to find his bride to lift a pesky sword curse.

Enter Ji Eun-tak, a peppy high schooler who can chat with ghosts and, spoiler alert, might just be the goblin’s long-awaited bride. Talk about a complicated celestial match-up.

Kim Shin gets his charm from none other than Gong Yoo, and if you don’t know him, just picture that enigmatic heartthrob who always leaves you wanting more.

Ji Eun-tak is played by Kim Go-eun, capturing the essence of every girl who’s ever wished her life could flip into K-drama mode. Add a grim reaper with amnesia and a chicken shop owner with a mysterious past into the mix, and you’ve got yourself a team that redefines #SquadGoals.

At its core, “Goblin” is a deep dive into fate, love, and what it means to sacrifice.

But what sets it apart is how it marries these deep, often dark themes with humor and heart. It’s like, one moment you’re contemplating the meaning of existence, and the next, you’re laughing over a goblin’s disdain for technology.

Watch “Goblin/Guardian: The Lonely And Great God” Trailer

But what sets it apart is how it marries these deep, often dark themes with humor and heart. It’s like, one moment you’re contemplating the meaning of existence, and the next, you’re laughing over a goblin’s disdain for technology.

The storytelling?

It’s top-notch. It knits together multiple timelines and characters with the precision of a grandma on a knitting spree—complex yet captivating.

And the visuals?

Each scene is so stunning, you’d swear it was a painting ready to hang over your couch. Seriously, it’s a feast for the eyes.

For those not up on their Korean folklore, imagine a world where an immortal goblin, hotter than any fairytale prince, is hunting for his bride. This isn’t your garden-variety supernatural show. It dives deep into the whirlpool of traditional Korean myths and legends.

In this K-drama, Kim Shin is a Korean dokkaebi (or goblin), which is basically a magical being who’s stuck on the eternal ride of immortality. He’s not your typical baddie from a horror flick, but a complex dude with a heart and a curse to boot.

He’s out here guarding souls and looking for his bride—the only gal who can punch his ticket out of the forever-alone club.

So “Goblin” is like someone jazzed up your favorite bedtime tales with a double shot of magic espresso and cranked the drama knob to max. And seriously, who knew ancient folklore could school today’s soap operas on how to stir up some real sizzle?

The supporting cast? Oh, they bring it.

Lee Dong-wook, as the grim reaper, delivers a knockout performance that’ll have you on an emotional rollercoaster—laughing, crying, and crushing hard, all in one episode. And the way “Goblin” serves up cultural tidbits, making them digestible even for K-drama newbies, is pure brilliance.

But let’s be real—no show’s perfect.

Sometimes, the pace drags like you’re stuck behind a slow walker when you’re already late. And the age gap between the leads? In today’s world, it does make you scratch your head a bit.

Compared to other dramas, “Goblin” stands out for its unique blend of fantasy and reality, its top-tier production values, and an emotional depth that can turn even the most stoic viewer into a puddle of feelings.

Compared to other dramas, “Goblin” stands out for its unique blend of fantasy and reality, its top-tier production values, and an emotional depth that can turn even the most stoic viewer into a puddle of feelings.

Was there anything fresh about it?

Absolutely.

This drama’s mix of ancient myths and modern woes is like nothing we’ve seen before in the fantasy K-drama scene. And emotionally? Imagine getting a bear hug from a cloud-shaped puppy—it’s that delightful.

Would I recommend it? You bet your bottom dollar—no ifs, ands, or buts!

Whether you’re a bonafide K-drama addict or just tiptoeing around the K-drama pool, “Goblin” slings a little something for everyone. It’s a wild ride of hoots, sniffles, and jaw-droppers that’ll have you hollering at your TV like it’s the final play of an NBA final.

This show hits the ground running—packed with riveting tales, unforgettable mugs, and visuals that are downright feast-for-the-eyes material. It’s the ultimate combo of fantasy, swoon-tastic romance, and gut-busters that makes it a dead ringer for your next binge-a-thon.

Plus, the emotional tornado it kicks up will yank at your heartstrings and might just wring out a tear or two.

Behind the scenes, the production was as grand as the story itself, featuring spots so stunning you’ll be googling flights to Korea. Both critics and fans went nuts over it, slotting it right into the K-drama hall of fame.

So, if you’re on the hunt for a drama that’ll whisk you away to a world where love defies time and logic, “Goblin” is your ticket. Plus, who can resist the charm of a brooding goblin and his quirky entourage?

So, if you’re on the hunt for a drama that’ll whisk you away to a world where love defies time and logic, “Goblin” is your ticket. Plus, who can resist the charm of a brooding goblin and his quirky entourage?

Trust me. It’s a journey worth taking.

And when you’re done, why not share your thoughts or start a fan club in the comments? Everyone’s welcome!

“Goblin” or “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” premiered on December 1, 2016. You can watch it on various platforms including Viki and Prime Video.

Goblin OST: Beautiful (sung by Crush)