Goblin The Lonely and Great God

Writer: Kim Eun-Sook

Director: Lee Eung-Bok

Cast: Gong Yoo, Lee Dong Yook, Kim Go-eun, Yoo In-na, Yook Sungjae

Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Romance

Rating: 9/10

Number of Episodes: 16

Release Date: December 2, 2016

PLOT: A lonely cursed goblin, who used to be an invincible War General, has waited 900 years to be reunited with his human bride. The reunion is the only thing that can liberate him from his curse and end his immortality. Despite the end of the curse signaling the end of the Goblin as well, he awaits his beloved with sadness in his heart.

REVIEW: The much-awaited return of Gong Yoo and the addition of the talented award-winning actress Kim Go-eun are the main reasons why anyone should watch this drama. The actors alone made the show a worthwhile watch, and that's putting aside the brilliant plot and character development. Goblin: The Lonely and Great God proves to be exquisitely different from typical K-dramas by showing a unique concept in storytelling and a superb script that anyone would fall in love with. The cast excellently delivers each episode and accentuates with the runtime quite well. Many fans appreciated Gong Yoo being chosen to act as the titular character Goblin; this 37-year old actor showed his versatility by portraying many different sides of the same character and left no viewers dissatisfied. Kim Go-eun acting as a 19-year old schoolgirl left many viewers speechless, because she was absolutely natural in her character and her debut as the Goblin's wife was very endearing. She played the character with extreme cuteness and her bubbly personality complemented the character of Goblin as well. 

Lee Dong Wook as the grim reaper manages to gain sympathy for his character through fantastic acting and adds a thought-provoking element to his often misunderstood character. He showed a powerful display of emotions on a deep level and entertained with hilarious moments as well. Yoo In-na deserves mention for her acting, because in the last few episodes her heart-touching performance will induce tears on the eyes of the viewers. The drama does a good job in showing revelations that not only affect the plot significantly, but invoke a variety of emotions in the viewers. 

Goblin: The Lonely and Great God is filled with scenes that will make the viewer want to rewind; each episode contains praiseworthy cinematography and beautiful dialogues. Coupled with original soundtracks in the background, the execution of the lines was perfect. Credits need to be given to the writer for making a supernatural story seem so real, but again not making it too emotional for the general audience. This drama not only provides an entertaining and emotional story, it shows a dark message about life and death so holds room for philosophical criticism as well. Overall, Goblin: The Lonely and Great God is a highly recommended show and is a definite must-watch for K-drama and drama fans alike.



Reviewed by Farhana Sharmin