Guardian: The Lonely and Great God
Overview
My obsession with K dramas doesn’t seem to end. How can one simply ignore the fantasy world created in these Korean shows which transcends us to a magical world and helps us forget all our worries. K dramas are indeed a work of fiction as some of their most popular and acclaimed stories are purely based on fantasy stories revolving around ghosts, Gods, robots or humans with super powers.
Plot
Goblin is one such phenomenal fantasy story that revolves around a 939 years old Goblin (Kim Shin), the Goblin’s bride, a 19-year-old high school student (JI Eun -tak) who can see ghosts and a grim reaper (Angel of Death).
Kim Shin, the Goblin (Gong Yoo) was a decorated military general from the Goryeo Dynasty (1100 Century). He is framed as a traitor for murdering countless soldiers and people of his own country. He is killed while battling with the numerous soldiers by a sword which is pierced in his chest. However, as punishment for his countless murders he committed during his time as a general, the Almighty God decides to resurrect him and give him supernatural powers and immortality. Due to immortality, he watches his loved ones die whereas he doesn’t age for centuries. He wishes, prays and hopes for death to end the misery of his lonely life until he meets Ji Eun – tak who is destined to be his bride.
Ji Eun -tak (Kim Go-eun) is orphaned at the age of 9, her mom was in a hit-and-run while she was pregnant with Ji Eun -tak and was destined to die. However, Goblin saves them with his special powers due to which since birth she can see ghosts. She is constantly chased by the grim reaper (Lee Dong -wook) who is after her life as she was destined to die with her mother before birth. She lives a life full of misery and is ill-treated by her abusive aunt. She summons the Goblin by chance and their fates begin to entwine. Goblin realizes that she is his destined bride as she is the only one who can see the invisible sword in his chest. In order to end his curse of immortality the bride has to remove the sword from his chest which will lead to his death and set him free.
As the story unfolds, we realize that the Goblin, Grim reaper, Ji Eun-tak and Sunny (Ji Eun -tak’s employer) have greater purpose and motive in life. The plot thickens when the story goes 900 years in flashback and witness the deed due to which Kim Shin was punished. The story of the grim reaper and his connection with Goblin also makes for an interesting watch. Will Ji Eun-tak take out the invisible sword and set Kim Shin free is something you should watch.
Takeaway
Have you wondered the reason behind the success and popularity of K Dramas globally? The plot in itself wins half the battle. This is a story about a 939-year-old immortal goblin and a grim reaper (angel of God) whose lives are intertwined and connected to a 19-year-old high school girl makes for an original and unique story. Each and every scene is picture perfect. The soundtrack and cinematography are both breathtaking. If you’re looking to binge watch something which will give you a hearty laugh, make you excited and curious, make you weep out with sorrow, this is the one. There are so many plot twists that will leave you speechless. There are various sub plots but at the same time, it’s not too intense and has lots of comedy. The story goes back and forth from past to present unraveling lot of mysteries and coming full circle. The chemistry between the lead pair is raw and real. But I also loved the wholesome and heartwarming bromance, which was just as entertaining to watch, if not more. Let me warn you, once you enter the world of K drama there is no coming back and what better way to start than this epic fantasy romance drama.
Screenplay/Performance/ Cinematography/ Music
This series is epic in every sense. The screenplay is so beautifully penned down that it will get an instant smile on your face and pull you in immediately. It will make you curious, excited and nervous as you cannot guess what lies in future with these characters. Kim Shin (Goblin) is a legend and he fully justifies the title given to him. He can just play about any role with ease. This is by far his best performance and gets the essence to play the character who is lived for centuries and finally when his wish to die comes true he wants to live for Ji-Eun tak. Kim Gi-eun as the lovely, chirpy, college girl aces the role. The curiosity and innocence of her character is underplayed which I liked. Lee Dong wook as the grim reaper was adorable and had very good chemistry with Yoo in -aa and Kim Shin both. The VFX is exemplary and the cinematography and use of color is mesmerizing. The background score is epic and beautifully synchronized with the story.
This epic fantasy romance drama is a must watch on Netflix with 16 episodes and just 1 season.
Disclaimer: The above review solely illustrates the views of the writer.