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Navillera korean drama review
Completed
Navillera
5 people found this review helpful
by BelindaA
May 17, 2021
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 10
Story 10.0
Acting/Cast 10.0
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 9.5
This review may contain spoilers

Deeply moving and inspiring

"Did you soar?"

I would say „Navillera“ is no light watch. Of course, there are some funny scenes and happy episodes, but as the drama progresses, it becomes increasingly somber and in the last few episodes I cried my eyes out. You should go into this drama with the right expectations - don’t expect romance or a comedy.
But if you are ready for a story about dreams, friendship, family and finding happiness, it will touch you deeply.

I am not sure what kind of action-packed dramas people who think this is „boring“ or „slow“ are used to, because I thought the pacing was perfect. There was never a dull moment or a filler episode and the drama had the perfect amount of episodes. I wish more dramas would cap at 12 episodes, because after episode 12 is often when they become dragged out and the writers add unnecessary drama.
The ending scene was absolutely perfect!! Everything about it: The cinematography, the dialogue, even the styling! I cried like a baby!

The performances of Song Kang and Park In Hwan are incredible. On top of their acting, I have so much respect for them for learning ballet for this drama, when they have never done it before. I know that they used body doubles for the more challenging scenes, but you can tell that the actors put a ton of hard work into credibly portraying ballet dancers.

Stories about friendship between someone young and old are always very touching and inspiring, and „Navillera“ is no different. The impact Chae Rok and Deok Chul have on each others’ lives and how it transforms not only them but the people around them, is beautiful and heart-warming.

Initially, I thought this was about an old man fulfilling his dream. But it is so much more than that. Every character is a little lost and looking for their happiness and they all eventually have to make a decision - to continue living life they way they are used to or take a chance and do what makes them happy. Coming from a country that is very much about corporate careers and performance, this drama feels very important.

All the characters go through credible character development and enrich the story with their own personal journeys to happiness. I really enjoyed Chae Rok’s relationship with Eun Ho as well. They mostly bond because of Deok Chul and there is no forced romance but they are important to each other. In the end, it is up to the viewer to decide whether they might find love in the future. I personally like the thought that they will fall in love at some point and Chae Rok will become a forever member of the family.

Like I said, it is no light entertainment. It made me think a lot about my own life, about the transience of all things, my aging parents and unfulfilled dreams. But it ends on a very hopeful note and leaves you inspired to find the thing that makes you happy and soar yourself.
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