Shim Deok Chool has always dreamed of becoming a ballet dancer.  Now at the age of 70, as a retired postal worker who has raised his children, he is finally ready to pursue that goal, even if his family is against it.  When Deok Chool shows up at a private ballet studio and begs the owner to teach him, the owner volunteers one of his students, Lee Chae Rok, to become his instructor.  In exchange, he asks Deok Chool to be Chae Rok’s manager as he prepares for an important audition.  This unlikely pairing will bring it’s share of joys and struggles, and each will learn some very important life lessons along the way;  including some that have nothing to do with ballet.  

Park In Hwan as Shim Deok Chul

Shim Deok Chul is a 70 year old retired postal carrier who has lived his whole life working to support his family.  As a young boy he peeked through the windows of a local ballet studio and began to dream of being a dancer, but his father refused to allow it.  After a recent Alzheimer’s diagnosis plus the urging of a dying friend, Deok Chul realizes that his time is running short.  Fueled with a fresh determination, he decides to take dance lessons.  Finding an unlikely teacher in a young dancer at a nearby studio, he begins lessons.  At first, it is physically challenging, but he perseveres and begins to see progress.  He also gains a new friend in Chae Rok.  Even when his wife and children try to persuade him to give up, Deok Chul continues to follow his dream in the hopes of getting to appear on stage at least once and having the chance to “soar”.

Shim Deok Chul is wise and caring.  His quiet determination in the face of a life-changing medical diagnosis is inspiring.  As a character, he proves that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and do the things you love, despite what anyone else may try to tell you.   It’s hard not to root for someone who has given his whole heart to a goal that seems impossible.  Park In Hwa does an amazing job in this role.  The way his body language changes over the course of his training and the wealth of emotions he conveys with his facial expressions are the work of a seasoned actor. I loved everything about this performance and I love the fact that this drama gave the chance for an older actor to take center stage.

Hong Seung Hee as Shim Eun Ho

Shim Eun Ho is Deok Chul’s only grandchild.  Her father is Deok Chul’s oldest son, and he has spent his whole life striving for financial success.  Now he is demanding the same from Eun Ho.  But when Eun Ho’s intern job fails to turn into the full-time position her father expected, she begins to explore her own dreams and goals, like her grandfather.

♥ May-December Friendship

Typically, when a drama stars an older actor, the best friend/side kick is a character about the same age.  So, I loved the idea of Deok Chul and Chae Rok developing a geniune friendship with each other.  Like true friends, it wasn’t always smooth sailing and Chae Rok had a habit of venting his frustrations on his poor student. But as their friendship grew, their respect and love for each other were very sweet.  

♥Beautiful Dance Scenes

The dance sequences for this drama were beautifully performed and visually stunning.  I loved the chance to watch real dancers as they jumped, glided, and spun across the floor with real grace and skill.  These scenes gave “Navillera” something special that was a pleasure to watch.  

Only 12 Episodes

I hate to be that person who complains just because it ended, but this is one I would have gladly watched for the standard 16 episodes.  It’s not really a critcism, but it’s still my biggest complaint!   But I guess leaving the fans wanting more is never a bad strategy.  At any rate, I feel like they could have extended it out to the full 16 episodes and gone more in depth with some of the storylines that were already introduced.  

Teaser Romance

This is another drama where they set the stage for a romance that never quite takes off.  It’s not the all dramas need romance, and honestly there were plenty of other stories to keep this one going without it.   But the undeniable connection between Chae Rok and Eun Ho is shown right from the beginning, so it would have been nice to see at least a hint that their romance is going somewhere.  

The last episode of “Navillera” ties up lots of loose ends.  Even though Deok Chul wakes up on the morning of his big performance without any memory of his choreography, Chae Rok gently encourages him to take his opportunity and helps jar his memory.  The pair put on an emotional performance of Swan Lake for a weepy audience.  Seung Joo gathers the family to show everyone the documentary that he has put together about Deok Chul’s journey and everyone is touched seeing his hard work.  Once the performance is done, Chae Rok is ready to start his training abroad.  At home, Eun Ho is making her way at the radio station, her dad is working for a local baseball team, and her mom is the head consultant.  Seong Gwan has returned to medicine and Seung Joo and So Ri are back together as a couple, and running a ballet school.  And Ho Beom and Se Jong are playing on the same soccer team. Deok Chul’s Alzheimer’s is progressing, which is heartbreaking, but they give us a cute scene where he sneaks out to “deliver the mail”.  And then, after 3 years, we see the last beautiful reunion between Deok Chul and Chae Rok.  Not only does Deok Chul remember his teacher, but he stands in the snow and dances, still remembering their choreography and the movements.  What a wonderful way to end a sweet journey.