Goblin: the great lonely god

Two love stories beyond heaven and hell.

     5

Synopsis

Kim Shin, an invincible warrior and general of the ancient kingdom of Goryeo who was betrayed and killed, is given a second chance at life. However, this second chance turns out to be a curse, as he has to watch everyone he loves die. He will have a second chance to end the curse with a girl “the Goblin’s bride” who can set him free.

Actors

Gong Yoo
Lee Dong-Wook
Kim Go-Eun
Yoo In-Na

Review

Writing about an epic series like Goblin is no easy task. No matter how much I try to describe it, I feel I can never truly do it justice.

There’s a “before” and an “after” with Goblin.

The “before” is when you live in blissful ignorance. Even though a hidden gem is right in front of you, you go about your life as usual. But those who have already experienced this masterpiece look at you with a mix of pity and sadness, knowing exactly what you’re missing out on. And then there’s the “after”: the moment you watch the series and realise that nothing will ever be the same again.

Goblin is, without a doubt, the greatest Korean drama of all time. Its brilliance lies in how it brings together all the best elements of dramas in one exceptional production: romance, comedy, action, suspense, historical and modern settings, a perfectly woven storyline, and a flawless ending.

On top of that, it features a sublime soundtrack that stirs the deepest emotions, alongside a cast whose performances are nothing short of outstanding. The result is Goblin.

If the sun defines the day, Gong Yoo defines Goblin. He seems born for this role. His performance is impeccable, embodying the character as if it were an extension of himself.

Joining him is a youthful Kim Go-eun, who captivates with her incredible maturity as an actress. From the beginning of the series, where her character faces the loss of her mother as a child, to the end, where she emerges as a strong, resolute woman, Kim Go-eun shines in every scene.

The supporting characters aren’t mere additions; they are essential pieces of the narrative, each delivering a remarkable performance that enhances the story.

As for the plot, Goblin delves into profound and intriguing themes such as heaven, hell, the divine, and the earthly. Through the series, we are introduced to perspectives and beliefs that spark deep reflection. It leaves us with invaluable life lessons, reminding us that the beauty of life stems from the existence of death. And it offers countless memorable quotes to ponder:

  • “There is no door that human desperation cannot open.”
  • “I pray that in our next life, the wait will be short and our time together long.”
  • “Passing by one another is still better than not seeing each other at all.”
  • “Those of us who remain must live even more fully. We may cry from time to time, but we must smile often and keep going. It’s our duty, in exchange for all the love we’ve received.” – Eun Tak
  • “I will come like the rain. I will come like the first snowfall. I will beg the divine to let me. Meeting you has been the greatest reward of my life.” – Kim Shin
  • “I hope you have no regrets after you die.” – The Grim Reaper
  • “My time with you has been radiant. Because the days were bad, because they weren’t, because they were just fine. I loved every single one of them.”

Goblin is more than a series. It’s an experience that touches the soul and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who watches it.

The characters

The actors: 4 + 1 = 5 actors with whom you will cry like never before and laugh out loud.

Gong Yoo (The Goblin)

The Asian star took longer than expected to accept the role. Yoo was the most recognised actor in the cast and already had several box-office hits behind him, the team waited for him to make up his mind and actress Kim Go-Eun was the one who insisted the most that he had to play the role.

He finally agreed, with one condition: the all-powerful God Goblin had to be shy and innocent, so the production team accepted it and started filming.

What a great idea! A role of a God with the power to make any wish come true, and at the same time, shy and innocent, with the mentality of a 15 year old boy, impossible not to fall in love with him!

The Goblin figure is beyond the Western mentality, blending Eastern myths and beliefs in a role that brings it all together. Handsome, attractive, cultured, rich, and with a black humour that makes him charming.

Be warned, you will follow him through all his series, movies, YouTube shorts…, his name learn it, from now on it will be your most searched keyword.

Kim Go-Eun (Ji Eun Tak)

The female lead is Kim Go-Eun, the very young Kim Go-Eun. I have to say that she does a great job. Confidence and strength in front of a doubtful and timid Goblin, she is the one who takes the initiative in everything, and well done to her!
She suffers a very hard childhood, her mother dies at an early age and she ends up living with her aunt and cousins who mistreat her like a “cinderella” with the added bonus that she has a supernatural power and can see ghosts, some of which haunt her. But don’t worry, our female protagonist is a strong woman, she knows how to face everything and come out on top.

Lee Dong-wook (Wang Yeo)

The angel of death. They say that from love to hate there is only one step, and so it is with this secondary or rather main story that will also steal our hearts.

Enemies to the death until at one point they admit that “a friendship has developed”. Perhaps it is that time heals everything, or perhaps it is true friendship that forgives everything.

As the series is being filmed, an unknown Lee Dong-wook appears in the role of the drama’s co-star, a role that will springboard him into becoming one of Korea’s most iconic actors. You can see him in Tale of the Nine Tailed (2 seasons) and Bad and Crazy… you will enjoy watching him as never before because he is one of the top actors.

The series has 2 beautiful love stories, and this second one is even more beautiful than the main one and deeper. You will cry for the secondary ones. You will cry!!! The chemistry with Yoo In-na had such an impact that they repeated as the main couple in the series. A Place in Your Heart, which, by the way, is another highly recommended and enjoyable series to watch.

Yoo In-na (Kim Sun)

The boss, a strong and powerful woman with an arrogant personality. She will play the angel of death’s better half and I don’t think there is a more perfect alchemy.

Yook Sung-Jae (Yook Deok Hwa)

The grandson is the icing on the cake, that character who makes the situations overflow with laughter in the midst of the chaos.

Why should you see it?

If you are looking for a series to watch, this one will undoubtedly leave you marked for life, those of us who have seen it just by listening to the first notes of its soundtrack our hearts are turned upside down, and we are envious of the people who have not seen it and will be able to experience it for the first time.

The scene that we liked the most is when they come out of the fog, remember it …. the poster of this couple walking in the fog fills the houses of Korea with posters.

Each chapter is a true work of art. Concentrate to the maximum and don’t miss any detail, everything is important.

Full assessment

Soundtrack

The songs move us as much as the series. For example the song: “Round and round”.

Actors

The actors with their good performances make this series a series in which we can cry and laugh.

Addictive

Absolutely!!! You’re going to want to see them all the time.

Final

The ending is as it should be, but we are still left with some doubts.

TOTAL

4,92