Navillera
A heartwarming drama where dreams take flight, as a 70-year-old man's late-in-life passion for ballet forms an unlikely, tender bond with a disillusioned young dancer, soaring like a butterfly against the winds of age and adversity.
Navillera
Navillera

나빌레라

"While your legs are strong and your head is clear, do what you have always wanted to do."

22 March 2021 — 27 April 2021 South Korea 1 season 12 episode Ended ⭐ 8.6 (200)
Cast: Park In-hwan, Song Kang, Na Moon-hee, Hong Seung-hee, Kim Tae-hun
Drama
The Pursuit of Dreams Against All Odds Intergenerational Friendship and Mentorship Family, Acceptance, and Sacrifice Confronting Mortality and Memory

Navillera - Episode Highlights

Episode Highlights

Episode 1

S1E1

The series opens by establishing Deok-chul's quiet, retired life and the inciting incident: the death of a friend, which sparks his fear of dying with regrets. He stumbles upon Chae-rok practicing ballet in a studio, and the image captivates him, solidifying his resolve to pursue his lifelong dream. This episode beautifully sets up the premise, the emotional stakes, and the eventual meeting of the two protagonists.

Significance:

This episode is crucial as it lays the entire foundation for the series. It introduces the central theme of living without regrets and establishes the stark contrast between Deok-chul's hopeful beginnings and Chae-rok's disillusioned state, creating the central dynamic that will drive the narrative.

Episode 4

S1E4

Deok-chul's family discovers his secret and their reactions are explosive, particularly from his eldest son, Seong-san. They try to force him to quit, viewing his hobby as shameful. This episode highlights the significant familial and societal obstacles Deok-chul faces. It culminates in a powerful moment where his wife, Hae-nam, after seeing his passion, begins to defend him.

Significance:

This episode marks the first major conflict in Deok-chul's journey. It's no longer a personal secret but a battle for acceptance within his own family. It tests his resolve and begins the slow process of changing his family's hearts and minds, which is a major subplot of the series.

Episode 7

S1E7

The truth about Deok-chul's Alzheimer's is revealed to Chae-rok. This discovery re-contextualizes everything for Chae-rok, turning his admiration for Deok-chul into a desperate, protective love. He now understands the urgency behind his student's dream and becomes fiercely determined to help him get on stage before it's too late.

Significance:

This is a major turning point in the series and the central relationship. It shifts the dynamic from a simple mentorship to a poignant race against time. The emotional stakes are raised immeasurably, solidifying Chae-rok's character development and his commitment to Deok-chul.

Episode 12 (Finale)

S1E12

On the day of the performance, Deok-chul wakes up having forgotten the choreography. With Chae-rok's gentle guidance, he relies on muscle memory and they perform a deeply emotional duet on stage. The episode then features a time jump, showing Chae-rok as a successful ballerino and Deok-chul's condition having progressed. Their final reunion in the snow, where Deok-chul's body still remembers the ballet moves, is a bittersweet and beautiful conclusion.

Significance:

The finale provides a powerful and emotionally resonant conclusion. It affirms that Deok-chul achieved his dream, and the impact of his journey has positively changed everyone around him. The ending is not a miraculous cure but a realistic and tender portrayal of living with Alzheimer's, emphasizing that the emotional and physical imprint of a great passion can endure even when memories fade.