Review: ‘Goblin’ K-drama (2016)

“Every moment I spent with you shines. Because the weather was good, because the weather was bad, and because the weather was good enough. I love every moment of it.” – Goblin

Another classic K-drama that really brought it to the global level, as well as made ‘Globin’ famous. There was definitely something in the air of 2016, because every K-drama of that time was immensely popular as well as different, like ‘Goblin’. I rewatched the drama again so that I can write the review on it. So basically it’s a fantasy drama about an immortal Goblin, Kim Shin, who has a curse that he can’t die unless he finds his bride, who will remove the sword from his chest, and end his life. He waits centuries to find his bride, but can’t find her until a schoolgirl named Ji Eun-Tak confesses that she is the chosen one.

Let’s start with our female lead, Ji Eun-Tak, whose mother dies really early, leaving her with their horrible relatives who abuse her. So she wants to go away from them, and she stumbles upon the Globin. I absolutely loved her character, even though she went through a lot then too; she was so courageous in every situation. I loved how she was so alone in the world like the goblin, but as her destiny intertwined with his, she found her peace. Her funny expression while following the goblin was hilarious, as well as their normal conversation was so funny.

Then we have our goblin, who made the world know what a goblin actually is. At first, he looked so serious, but as he lived for centuries, we could see he started to lose his mind and just wanted to die. He is so funny, let me begin with it, especially his expressions. Even though he lives for centuries, he is unable to talk to humans, and when Eun-Tak entered his life, he just didn’t know how to act, and he just does funny things without even trying. His Goblin side chef kiss, especially his backstory, added so much to his character.

The chemistry between them is so good because they are hilarious together, apart from their sad scene. I didn’t find them boring. I liked that there was not much romance; rather, it focuses on the bond both share. Both of them trying to live with each other and get used to each other was so much fun to watch.

My favourite character of the drama is the Grim Reaper, Wang Yeo. He is an absolute cinema with mind-blowing expression, and his banter with Goblin. I loved his Grim Reaper side so much. Definitely a second lead that I won’t forget. Also, his backstory with Kim Sun is so freaking sad. I loved their chemistry, and Kim Sun’s character is hilarious.

Another one of my all-time favourite side characters is Yoo Deok-hwa. The only human apart from Eun-Tak residing with the Grim Reaper and the Goblin. This comedy timing is so good, whenever he comes on the screen, I can’t control my laughter. He added so much freshness to the drama.

I absolutely loved the plot; it was so interesting. It was not only intense but also had many fun elements added to the drama. I felt that the drama is not boring as we get to see Goblin and Grim Reaper’s bromance, Eun Tak’s cuteness and Kim Sun’s sassiness. The back story is so heartbreaking, especially that of Grim Reaper and Kim Sun.

The best thing in the drama that elevated it was the cinematography, which was absolutely beautiful, and now it has become a tourist spot. The other thing is the OST; no matter how many OSTs come, this one, “Stay With Me”, will always top the chart for me. The rhythm of it is just fantastic; it literally transports you to the goblin world. I think everyone knows Goblin’s Ost. The ending fits so right for a supernatural historical drama.

I highly recommend it as it’s a classic and one should definitely watch it once.

“Someday, we’ll meet again. It’ll be the happiest day. I will go to you like the first snow.” – Goblin

Total Episodes: 16

My Rating: 9/10

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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Review: ‘The Prisoner of Beauty’ C-drama (2025)

“Who says there’s no love between me and Lady Qiao? I admit, I married her for Panyi. But after spending time with her. I saw that she’s not only beautiful but concerned for the people. She has the talent and bearing worthy of my wife.” – Shao Wei

I think every other country’s drama can change, but Chinese drama will always maintain its supremacy. I have never watched any historical Chinese drama, but heard a lot, and finally, The Prisoner of Beauty, the recent Chinese historical drama, caught my eye. The drama follows the story of Xiao Qiao, who gets married to Shao Wei, her kingdom’s rival family, in order to end the hatred between them.

In this drama, there are every kind of trope which had me hooked. There is forbidden romance, arranged marriage, a rival’s daughter, a green flag, a smart, strong and cunning female lead. You know that I am a sucker for the arranged marriage trope, as it gives tension and intensity in a drama that I absolutely love.

Let’s start with our main attraction of the drama, the female lead, Xiao Qiao. I love female leads who are smart, cunning and absolutely hold their ground. Xiao Qiao is a huge green flag because she understands her husband, even though the marriage is all about alliance, she takes the best care of him. She understands him and the situation he went through as a child. I liked that she was shown as a mature female lead rather than stubborn in the wrong ways. She is so manipulative and cunning, OMG I loved that. I loved that even though she married the rival for alliance and even took care of her husband, she still held ground with her principles. She is an absolute drama queen; the acting just to get away with things was mind-blowing.

Then we have our male lead, Shao Wei, who went through a lot, and everything he does makes sense. The boy has a traumatising childhood, obviously, he can’t trust anyone, especially the female lead. However, even though he hated her, he still treated her with utmost importance. His fighting skills are amazing. However, he is absolutely clueless in romance. When Xiao Qiao is flirting with him, he acts so clueless, making me and Xiao Qiao wonder when he will understand. I loved his clueless side. Xiao Qiao helped bring out the child in him that he had lost and was just burdened by responsibility. He is so funny and shy when it comes to romance.

Their chemistry was pure and intense. I liked that their story was relatable, given that they were rivals. Slowly, there was a development rather than just like that. He took his time understanding and trusting her, and she understood that about him. The slow development was everything as they slowly realised that love is greater than hate. The love and respect he shows her, and always stands with her, and she always defends him and takes a stand for him, is so heartwarming to watch; they truly are worthy of each other.

The plot is all about the history between Shao Wei and Xiao Qiao’s family, and to remove the hatred marriage alliance is formed, it is so good and well written. I loved that in historical drama, loyalty is shown as top-notch. Be it Shao Wei’s companion or Xiao Qiao’s companion, the loyalty they have shown was beautiful to watch. The friendship group is amazing and hilarious.

The cinematography is amazing, given that it’s a historical drama, the culture and the costumes are just beautiful. All the side characters were amazing; they made the drama more fun. Shao Wei’s grandmother, a true Queen, knows how to properly give advice, a great woman.

I highly recommend it if you want to watch an arranged marriage between rivals, which includes forbidden romance and captivating leads.

“You’re an exceptional lady. I’ve never admired any woman the way I admire you.” – Shao Wei

Total Episodes: 36

My Rating: 8/10

Genre: Romance, Revenge, Historical Fiction

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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Review: ‘High School Frenemy’ Thai Drama (2024)

“The most important thing that I’m giving up.

It’s not school.

It’s you, Shin.” – Saint.

After seeing so many reels of this drama, I decided to give it a try and I went blind into it without knowing anything was it the best decision? Hell yeah! I am someone who hardly has dramas that are stuck in my mind otherwise I just watch it for fun. But if I watch a drama and it touches my heart and soul then it is game over for me, it will become my personality and I will never recover from that hangover ever. And this is what happened when I watched ‘High School Frenemy’ and OMG what a masterpiece. It is about Saint and Shin who used to be best friends in the past, however, an incident broke their friendship. Both belong to two different campuses but the administrator decides to combine both campuses which for many years hated each other. But now they will be sharing the same roof for the next school year. I didn’t know that it was a remake of School 2013, the Korean drama.

For me, friendship is the most important and valuable thing in my life. I think no love can top the friendship relationship. And this drama made me more empathetic and grateful towards my friends. The plot, the friendship, and the pure relationship between teacher and student were just beautiful to watch in this drama. I love the male lead when they are quiet and mysterious but actually, a beast inside that is what Saint is. Even though it is kind of a plot twist the second I saw him in the first episode I knew he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Saint, what can I say about him, he is such a character who would do anything for his friends, but he is also a flawed character who has made mistakes as a teenager. Sky who played the character of Saint, OMG has done such incredible acting, the way his eyes are always filled with guilt and regret. The way he acted so helpless because he wanted forgiveness, the way he delivered the dialogues, and the way he acted through his eyes made the drama and character more special.

Then we have Shin, he is just a pure character. In the beginning, you will meet Shin, you might not like him but his best friend, Saint did to him making his action totally understandable. Nani, who has played the character of Shin, what can I say about it? He has done such marvellous acting, and his eyes are the star of his character. He is just a pure character, so kind, and so forgivable. He went through so much pain but he was so selfless. I loved his character the most because being selfless is not easy and only strong people can do it like him.

“You must have changed for real.

But one’s true nature is unlikely to change.” – Shin.

Let’s talk about the friendship between them, OMG that is the star of the drama. The dialogue, the staring, and the longing between them were so powerful that they made me breathless. It is a bromance but there was something more powerful between them, and the chemistry was just off the chart. Having a friend who can do anything for each other, even die is what they were to each other. Saint taking a beating for Shin and telling him, he will protect him forever was just beautiful to watch. Shin making sure to be with Saint forever, their friendship is just amazing and pure. The conversation between them was a chef kiss. Did I sob when they mend their friendship? Did I not stop giggling? Did I want everyone to have a friend as their safe zone? A big yes. And let me tell you the secret, I have a best friend who is my personal diary, my trauma relief, and the friendship that I ever wanted, and I will be forever thankful for that girl.

Another star of the show is Chadjen. He was the cupid for Saint and Shin to recover their friendship. I adored him so much. Then we have the teacher Jan. She was the moment and the character of the drama. If only in real life we had teachers who understood us rather than judged us, this world would be so much better. Jan is so beautiful from inside and outside. Because of her, all the classmates became friends, and the war ended.

This drama will forever be in my mind and I will always have a wish to erase it again so that I can watch this drama again for the first time. The chemistry, the friendship, the lessons, and the understanding between teacher and student were top-notch. Everything in this drama was a chef kiss.

If you can take any one recommendation from me, please be it this one and thank me later.

“You don’t need to understand us if you already judge us.” – Saint.

My Rating: 10/10

Total Episodes: 16

Genre: Friendship, youth, drama

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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