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ONE OF THE WARMEST KDRAMA EVER
NAVILLERA will remain one of the warmest Korean Drama ever for all the nostalgic & happy vibes it gave through out the entire thing.Struggling with your age, when you're on the edge of your life and winning over all the obstacles with hard work and determination to soar within your dream and turning it into a gift, is the greatest message that the drama offers to us.
Such a wholesome and overwhelming drama to witness when you're seeking some comfort in your life. Character development of all the characters have been shown in very short yet in very handsome way. Hats off to Song Kang & Park In Hwan for delivering such a beautiful & graceful chemistry through out the show.
Portraying ballet, a form of art, and explaining life through it, is the major theme of this drama. You will smile widely, laugh, and cry from time to time. It indeed tugs your heartstring with its essence.
Apart from the final performance titled Navillera, the scene that touched my heart was when they hug each other for 1st time before the sepration The last scene was the most beautiful for me when Song Kang and Park In Hwan meet across the label crossing and greet each other through theor ballerina style.
Words might fall short but you will never be able to stop describing how beautiful a drama can be.
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A Heartwarming Friendship Fluttering Across Backgrounds And Age...
Based upon the eponymous webtoon by Ji Min, Navillera was adapted onto the small screen by screenwriter Lee Eun Mi ( Tunnel-2017) and director Han Dong Hwa ( 38 Task Force, Miss Lee) with the hope of bringing to life this story’s heartwarmingly atypical friendship between 70 year old Shim Deok Chul ( Park In Hwan) , and a young man his early 20s Lee Chae Rok ( Song Kang) who are both united through their shared adoration of ballet . A heartwarming friendship tale, Navillera tackled some profoundly upfront issues about ageism, mortality, mental and physical illnesses as well as social prejudice also.
Park In Hwan was undeniably brilliant with his role as our main protagonist Shim Deok Chul. Although older characters are not uncommon in K-dramas , it was a breath of fresh air to come across a character in his twilight years who took central stage as a less glamorised or “ fresher” protagonist in a Korean drama with an equally heartbreaking character growth over the course of the series .
Naturally, it is important to respect South-Korean culture and expectations, however, ‘ Navillera’ pivotal focus is highlighted by the peculiar friendship between two individuals of different ages, with different backgrounds and personalities, who learn to surpass these boundaries through their friendship. Deok Chul respects Chae Rok both as his teacher and being his “ manager”, both inside and outside of the practice room. This allows Deok Chul to take on both the “encouraging figure” and the “friend role” for Chae Rok by his kind actions and standing up for him especially against his young mentor’s rival Yang Ho Beom ( Kim Kwon). ( As well as developing a friendship with this individual also.)
This of course moves us onto the deuteragonist of ‘ Navillera’ Chae Rok. Whilst actor Song Kang’s previous performances have been a little stiff , he seemed to truly capture something vividly brilliant behind his character Chae Rok; a young ballet dancer caught between the pain of the past, and struggling to move forwards to a brighter future. Yet whilst ironically Chae Rok’s archetype does undeniably fall into the cliche of the “ young and good looking main character”, his role in the series is nonetheless just as multifaceted as Deok Chul. This did not push Chae Rok down the stereotypical root of being a ‘ heinous and bitter person’. He’s seemingly aloof and judgemental as well as quick to complain about Deok Chul, however, he is shown to constantly battle with loneliness due to the circumstances of his father Lee Moo Young ( Jo Sung Ah) . He possesses also a similar streak of altruism and kindness as Deok Chul, which manifests throughout his actions over the course of the series.
Over the course of 12 episodes, the duo’s friendship begins to truly bloom. Even Deok Chul’s normally hypercritical wife Choi Hae Nam ( Na Moon Hee) taking a later shine to the younger dancer .
However, against all odds of cliches,the side characters of the series were often given intriguing backgrounds also. Chae Rok’s mentor Ki Seung Joo ( Kim Tae Hoon) has had a complicated divorce and past due to his career as a former- ballet dancer and is determined to not let his young prodigy walk down the same route. Similarly, Deok Chul’s youngest son Shim Seong Gwan ( Jo Bok Rae) ‘s changed career decision often leads to tension during family meetings, whilst the eldest Shim Seong San ( Jung Hae Kyun)’s harsh attitude towards his daughter and wife is certainly more complicated than it seems whereas Deok Chul’s daughter Shim Seong Suk ( Kim Soo Jin) supporting her husband Byun Young Il ( Joong Hee Tae)’s decisions were equally endearing storylines .
Yet the notable story arc which should probably be mentioned along the way can be seen within the staged romance between Chae Rok and Deok Chul’s granddaughter and Chae Rok’s colleague Shim Eun Ho( Hong Seung Hee).There was nothing inherently “ terrible” about this romantic pairing.Eun Ho and Chae Rok were mutually respectful of one another , and shared common ground within their close relationship with Deok Chul. On the other hand, it is fair to say that whilst partially necessary for allowing both characters to overcome their own lack of self-esteem in different ways, the romance respectfully wasn’t the most intriguing or exciting part of the show.
Similarly, another major focal point of the series occurs within Yang Ho Beom’s long-held “ enmity” towards Chae Rok. Without revealing too much about the reasons behind Ho Beom’s contempt of Chae Rok ( due to feeding into the main storyline), it is pivotal to point out that this “ rivalry” begins to filter into the storyline many cliche events, though, this does gradually begin to fizzle out due to their circumstances. However, this is what was refreshing about Ho Beom as a character and minor antagonist . He was far from being a “flawless person ”, but, he wasn’t entirely shown onscreen as having “ no humanity” either. Without any spoilers , there is one particular scene in which Ho Beom later approaches and sits down for a meal with Deok Chul, in a heartwarming moment of the drama.
Besides some minor flaws of the series, the ending of “ Navillera” was bittersweet. An amazing ending point to see just how far the characters had come and the difficulties which Deok Chul is taking one step at a time.
It is easy for shows like “ Navillera” to become overwhelmed with cliches by detracting from the more important points of character growth and storyline. Admittedly, the drama didn’t entirely stray away from these angst-ridden tropes, however, they were used to screenwriter Lee Eun Mi’s advantage allowing " Navillera" to become a heartwarming, tearjerking from beginning to end about family, friendship and self-determination. An enjoying and heartfelt watch with prominent character-growth and pivotal and universal messages throughout.
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Beautiful drama about life, family and friendship.
When I first saw the trailer for Navillera, I figured I should just wait until it was done so I could binge it-- after all, what drew me in to it was that Song Kang was one of the main leads and I wanted to enjoy it without having to wait.And then the first episode came out.
The story and the charcters pulled me in immediately, and I knew there was no way I was going to be able to do anything but wait for Monday and Tuesday every week so I could watch the new episodes the day they aired. Apart from Deok Chul's illness, which is still heavily foreshadowed, there aren't many twists or plots you can't see coming, but that does very little to affect the overall enjoyment of this drama. You know what's going to happen, but you develolp such a bond with these characters through the course of the episodes that you can't help but be on the edge of your seat wishing for them to succeed, to find their happiness, and to accomplish their dreams. And thankfully, they all do-- but that does not take away from its realistic ending.
Deok Chul is a person with Alzheimer's, and he knows, his family knows, and we know that it will only get worse, and it does-- and it breaks your heart. Not only for him-- who, by the way, will become your grandpa and you will love him with all your heart if you watch-- but for all the people who have to deal with this unforgiving illness in the real world.
This drama leaves you feeling like things will be okay, and even though you might feel like your time to do something you love has passed, it's never too late to follow your dreams in any way you can.
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The tone here is warm, quiet and down to earth and the story itself is not very grand, as it would not fit the story that this drama is trying to say, and yet it truly grabbed me right away. There is a certain softness and wholesomeness that this story just exudes. It radiates warmth and kindness. There was always something so pleasant and comforting about tuning into this show every week and the message of chasing your dreams no matter where you are in life, and it’s never to late to try is beautiful.
Navillera is a really character-driven and character-focus story as we just follow these people throughout their daily-lives and their interactions with each other. There’s really nothing I’ve not seen before here. It’s a simple setup; Two very different individuals need to work together and somehow they were just what the other one needed. One character is cold and closed-off, the other is not. You’ve seen it before so many times, but it works, and the drama never seems boring despite the fact that you sort of know the story that’s being told because it has so much heart and tells the story well.
Chae Rok’s relationship with this grandfather that he has been tasked to teaches ballet is so wonderful and pulls at your heart every step of the way. Deok Chool is one of most adorable and wholesome character I’ve ever watched. He’s the heart of the show and wow what a big heart it is. Their relationship and Deok Chool’s determination to chase his dreams is going to make you get misty-eyed every episode of this show.
Song Kang and Park In Hwan do such a good job in these roles, although it is the latter who really carries the show on his shoulders, as his character is the heart of the show. They are both so sincere here though and that really shines through. All of the actors on this show do an amazing job to bring these fully fleshed characters to life. I felt like I understood everyone, why they did what they did and their attitude towards life, whether I liked them or not.
Often I feel like these types of dramas tend to drag on for a bit or the story isn’t big enough for the drama itself, not enough history to be to fill in all the episodes but Navillera uses it’s time really well and never really drags on. It rather chugs steadily on while focusing on the character and their relationship in a really sincere way. And it certainly helps that Navillera is only 12 episodes, but not the usual 16, like kdramas tend to be.
There are certain things that I found predictable within the story, especially as it descends into the latter half and the stakes rise a little bit, but it never got on my nerves and I never found it too bleak. It sometimes filled me up melancholy but because the drama set all of these things up really well these things never came out of nowhere. I was prepared. And there is a certain string of hope that persists within the story despite the lingering sadness that was present within the story. Hope always seems to shine through.
The story may be a little standard, a bit after the book at times, but I can not fault the drama because of it because it set everything up very well, it builds up to things, it lays all the groundwork, the character were good, everything that happened seemed earned and not just randomly thrown into the story. It was the story it wanted to be. Plus, the story has a huge heart. So even though I always sort of knew where it was heading. Everything somehow came together really nicely. I got pretty much everything I wanted and expected from this, which was satisfying. It’s like a good home-cooked meal that your mom makes. You get what you expected, but it’s nice.
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As long as you have dreams achieving them is never late.
Words might never be enough to describe how much I loved this drama, from episode one till the end. There is nothing ordinary about this drama, a heartfelt story, a true MASTERPIECE.Each episode will touch your heart, it'll make you rethink life decisions, or help you to find a little bit of hope in your life, will make you laugh, cry, get upset about some characters, and then forgive them as you'll get to know them better, I bet any person can find themselves in introduced personages like I often found myself in Chaerok and the battles he faced, I could relate to Eunho as well.
"Navillera" left me hoping that all of us will get a chance at least once in our lives to soar freely, and feel true happiness.
First of all, let me tell you how proud Song Kang makes me feel. He is such a pro. He took ballet lessons for just six months to be able to play Chaerok's role and dance.
Producers of "Navillera" said that while Kang was filming his ballet scenes, all of the staff on set stopped breathing, and they were all drawn into his performance.
And seeing him dance which came about through an enormous amount of practice was a certain shock to me as well. I was so moved by those scenes, all I could think about was how an amazing actor he is. It was majestic! Even though he had body double for the hardest scenes that doesn't belittle his effort in learning how to balance himself, be able to carry the right posture, and do all the moves he had to do by himself. The dedication this man has!
I started this drama mainly for Song Kang since I am a fan of his. I haven't read webtoon so I didn't have any prior expectations. Tho I desperately wanted to see Kang dancing ballet.
Then I saw the trailer and that short video made me cry, so I already knew I had to prepare my tissues.
The story is about 23 years old Lee Charok a ballet dancer who was going through a slump and 70 years old Shim Deokchul who wanted to learn ballet from this young ballet genius. For 12 episodes you will observe how these two get to know each other, go through thick and thin together, how they overcome obstacles on their way, how haraboji starts treating Chaerok as his own grandchild, how they learn more and go towards their individual dreams together.
Navillera reflects on real-life a lot. All the characters are just like some people you might've met in real life, or even know yourself. This drama showed how bittersweet life can be, that even though we suffer on a daily basis with all different causes small happiness still can be found as well.
This drama shows so many aspects of life from different angles. How youngsters suffer to become something in life, and how desperately they try to handle all the hardships that life gives them. How middle-aged people are striving to manage their lives for now must have some shape but unfortunately for some, that's not like it at all.
And lastly, the elders who are expected to have lived life to the fullest now must live for the next generations. As if getting old gives you fewer rights to have dreams and work for them.
Drama gives you so many life lessons throughout the episodes and development of precious characters, shows you that a coin always has two sides, that we shouldn't be quick to judge people, we shall give them time and get to know what's behind them, shows us how just a little bit of warmth and attention can save the day.
Out of all personages I loved Chaerok and Deokchul the most. I loved how their unusual friendship started and how their relationship turned into them becoming like a real family. Loved to watch how haraboji helped Charok to get on his feet again, how he helped this depressed boy, who suffered so much from life, who had nothing left except for a few people around him and Ballet get out from the slump that was holding him back. Also how Chaerok helped Deokchul and the people around him as well. They both supported one another throughout everything. They just stood by each other's side till the end.
Chaerok and Deokchul were each other's reflections. If Chaerok wouldn't overcome his slump, he'd end up like Deokchul who deeply regretted neglecting his own dream.
All the characters we met through the drama had meaning and hope with them, none of them were meaningless or insignificant. They all had their own place, they all had something to say, they all carried their own misfortune and success.
The acting was fascinating, especially in the second half of the drama. Kang did such an amazing job, he really shined brightly and stood out a lot, every time he cries I end up crying double so yeah his individual and Haraboji's scenes had me bawling my eyes out a lot.
Park Inhwan did a great job as well and all the cast members! They made me forget that I was watching a piece of fiction and not a real-life story.
If you are still wondering, rather than give it a try or not, do so! You won't regret it. It's absolutely a must-watch
P.s Don't forget to grab tissues, I cried during all episodes.
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New word for meaningful and awesome should be Navillera
Once in a while you come across a drama that is not only well written, superbly acted out and has a powerful message, but at the same time it’s also a drama that comes into your life when you didn’t know you needed it and packs such a punch, that it makes you to re-evaluate your life. This was Navillera to me.The story is incredible – it creates an amazing contrast between a coming-of-age story, and “let’s give it all I have when I still have some time left” story. Navillera shows the perspective of two very specific heroes, with such a different view on life and experiences in it, that it’s just incredible that it manages to work so well. It’s also a prime example of inter-generational learning and shows how beneficial it can be for one’s life.
I found the charm of Navillera mostly in the small things. The dialogue is written very realistically, and the characters interact with one another the way real people would. There is one scene where haraboji receives a gift and he automatically replies: “But orange is my favourite colour.” That made me laugh so much and miss my family in a way – it’s something so familiar to have “assigned” your favourite colour to make picking out gifts easier. The drama also leaves small messages for attentive viewers to pick up on, as well as it does a good job in tying everything together at the end.
Most of that is thanks to a reasonable tempo and twelve episodes. Everything feels just right, there are no filler episodes, and every scene has a meaning. The acting is nothing short of spectacular, even the side characters have their moments. It’s very rewarding to see fully fleshed plot lines and developments in this setting of high-level acting. Not to mention the sheer amount of preparation that both Song Kang and Park In Hwan had to do. I was in awe at some of their scenes. This drama also featured several strong female characters and that made my heart melt.
It will be a long time until I come across a drama like this. It was deeply meaningful and made me look at my life with a different eye. It’s amazing, honestly, how they created this drama in a way that it feels natural for you to do so. It’s almost as if you are a part of the conversation.
Navillera also shows some aspects of family life in such raw state, that I got emotional several times in moments without the main characters present. I would also like to comment on how tasteful and respectful the creators were towards some scenes involving the main heroes dressed in ballerino outfits. Honestly, it was just beautiful.
I liked the OST as well – the contrast of modern music and classical ballet music was excellent.
I know, this drama might trigger a lot of people who have or have had a similar health situation with a family member, myself included. However, it made me think a lot about that certain dear person, I returned to some memories that I have not thought about in years. It made me find a bit of peace and it was healing. On the other hand, be ready to maybe stop watching Navillera for a couple of days when things get though (I did for two weeks) – but please, stick to the end. It’s the most rewarding drama you’ll ever see.
Oh, and P.S. you’ll cry a lot. So switch from handkerchiefs to toilet paper roll. It saves a lot of hustle. You’re welcome.
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Do you soar?
Hands down this is the most wholesome and heartwarming K-drama I've watched.A story that remind us it is never too late to chase our dream.
At first, I'm not really interested in watching old man doing ballet. I started watching it to past my time and Song Kang is the main lead, so i give it a try. Oh boy, I was wrong. The plot of how an old man that knows his time is short due to his sickness, found his long lost dream again and starting to pursue it just manage to pulled me in. Even though I find that in the middle of the stories I got bored can't fault the plot due to this is a slice of life drama (there will be no action that will excites us), but I still wanted to know how Grandpa and Chae Rok are going to soar. This shows that the character manage to drew us in as an audience. I manage to cry the whole last 3 episodes of this drama. I can't express how wholesome this drama is.
I have got nothing to say about the cast, all of them are great especially grandpa and Song Kang.
The most memorable and impactful line in this drama is right at the end "Do you soar?". After hearing it, I feel like I have been smashed with feels.
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A superb adaption in 12 episodes of valuable lessons…
Navillera is a gem amongst mini dramas.It reminds us that age is merely a number, and it’s never too late to chase your dreams by learning the value of time and the measure of our lives in order to pursue it.
Mr. Sim wanting to learn ballet at such advanced age is a defiance of all odds and beliefs.
Yet when almost everyone disbelieved of his success, he still wanted to give it a go, so that he could soar at least once in his lifetime.
ChaeRok, is struggling and he doesn’t know why, but he is lonely and hurting inside while stubbornly pushing himself without a care for his self being when it comes to ballet.
When these two opposite individuals are placed together as student and teacher, that’s when the life lessons start for one another, and the development of both characters and everyone around them is simply remarkable to say the very least.
“I don’t remember how I got there. I just heard some music and saw a ballerina before me.
The boy soared, and he reminded me of the ballerina I once saw when I was little.
Ever since that day, the sight on him dancing was burned into my mind.”
The pace of the drama and the changes they did compared to the webtoon are pleasant and actually work well, evenly blended with an amazing OST at the right times.
“I’m not such a weak person. I really love ballet. I want to do it well.”
And the dance scenes are mesmerizing, especially when ChaeRok dances with the first snow fall on the street, or when Mr. Sim does it too to show him how he improved. It’s two emotional scenes that portray their unique friendship and bond that they formed throughout the series.
It shows us that the definition of family is wide and not narrow to only family members.
ChaeRok being welcomed by such warm and caring hearts of the old couple, it’s like he ends up regaining a sense of family and is invited into a sweet home where there are people who care for him. It’s probably one of the many factors that helped to melt his cold and broken heart and of course his demeanor as we can see from the beginning of the story.
He grows so much and shows how kindhearted he can truly be, showing his true strength on his ongoing support for Mr. Sim, even more so when he discovers the secret the old man is trying so hard to keep.
Redemption is something that many characters here learn eventually.
Mainly the eldest son of Mr. Sim and HoBeom, I believe those two have the best change of hearts, when they come to accept their own realities and how different their lives turned out because of certain life choices and ordeals they have faced along the way.
Ballet was something he and most members of the family were up against, almost making them fall apart and yet further into the drama, Ballet is also what brings them all together.
Inspiring, could be the very definition of this drama.
To inspire us to seek further, to overcome our fears of failure and dive ahead and live while we can. Because time stops for no one, and life is an unpredictable variable that we can’t always control but that we can try to follow, to think of ways to improve ourselves or learn how to adapt to our current situations.
To trust in one another and support each other in times of need.
We spend so many times busy and worried about our own lives, that we often forget that as we age so do our parents and loved ones. And as much as we struggle nowadays, so did they in different times and circumstances. That’s one thing we do take for granted, until it’s too late.
“Every single day is precious. Because I don’t have much time left.”
“Even, if you don’t remember me, I’ll remember you.”
Make every moment count, cherish the little moments of happiness.
Support others in their dreams, don’t bring them down.
Lift others so they can soar, and one day so will you.
That’s what the message of this drama is all about.
Life lessons, taught by a 70-year-old man, and a 23-year-old guy that met by chance in a ballet studio. United by their passion for dancing and wanting to soar on stage at least once.
Definitely worth watching, such a heartwarming and emotionally moving drama.
“Did you soar?”
He did.
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it's never too late to pursue your dreams
This beautiful tear jerker of a drama will break your heart then stitch you back together again. A wonderfully pitch perfect story about a 70 year old man who decides finally to pursue his dream of being a ballet dancer.And while you'll no doubt sob through the whole thing, it's a cathartic cry, a healing cry. One that will fill you up and let you leave the drama completely satiated.
This is a beautiful drama that is not even bittersweet but just an ordinary story about ordinary people learning to live their lives to the fullest and that it's never too late to pursue your dreams.
If you don't love the characters, the story, the cinematography and the themes, you will at least love the music, which completes the emotional journey perfectly.
Just perfect
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Most Heart Warming Real Life story
I started watching this because of song kangI am not into this series actually but After seeing so many romantic dramas and crime dramas I wanted to see something REFRESHING & Good story
If you want to have something with good emotional story and perfect acting then go for this one
IF YOU ARE FACING PROBLEMS IN REAL LIFE THEN YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY WATCH THIS DRAMA AS IT MIGHT GIVE YOU COURAGE TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS..
Song kang and grandpa relationship is nice and side character's development is also nice and there are heartwarming scenes
You might need to have a tissue in your hand too
These days I stopped crying after seeing so many korean crime dramas but after a long time NAVILLERA made me cry again
I am still watching this so I Will update more soon
[now updating]
Now after completing watching it I can only say one thing if you want something about real life [ not like supernatural or other genres ] then you should definitely watch this. You will definitely like this.
And if you dont like dance then dont stop watching it becoz I also dont like dance but didnt I like it
...who know you might like it too..//!!
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Can clichés soar?
Kudos to the creators for putting an elderly man in the front seat of a major drama. We need more stories featuring older people. And it's great to make a story that breaks gender stereotypes, especially in such a patriarchal society. However, that's pretty much where the praise ends.Unfortunately, the story is nothing but clichés and predictableness. It wouldn't have been so terrible if the challenges faced by each character were presented with more depth, but on top of the clichés, the script was so generic that it seemed like every character was saying the same thing over and over again. Every person was simply there to tell us to "do what we truly want to do". Our ballerinos, the former doctor, the failed politician, the ex-football player, the white collar worker, his counsellor wife, and their daughter seeking her first job, had the same challenges and the same script.
Of course, Park In Hwan as our grandpa ballerino is the obvious highlight. Despite the terrible script, he delivered each line with wisdom and quiet, thoughtful strength. His talent came out but he deserved so much better material to showcase what he has to offer. Song Kang as our young ballerino Chae Rok was directed to play his part with too much annoying angst at the beginning and then his transformation didn't even get to breathe. One day he just changes, and the transformation of the entire cast is presented in the same way. There is no real progression. Kim Kwon as the blonde haired punk did well too, despite the shoddy script and lack of dimension in his character. The scene where he is leaning over Chae Rok in the stairwell gave us a glimpse of his acting talents. Finally, the relationship between ballet instructors Seung Joo and So Ri was the only one that provided a tiny bit of interest, but only a few drops.
I started watching this one night when I was absolutely exhausted and wanted something that demanded nothing from me. However, the lack of depth and the absolutely terrible script made it hard to get through. In the end, the talent and time was wasted even though I did smile and tear up a few times. And watching the professional dancers was a treat.
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