나빌레라
"While your legs are strong and your head is clear, do what you have always wanted to do."
Navillera - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Butterfly (Navillera)
The title "Navillera" translates to "like a butterfly." The butterfly symbolizes transformation, grace, and the realization of a dream. It represents Deok-chul's journey of emerging from the chrysalis of his past life of duty and regret to finally spread his wings and soar, however briefly. Ballet itself, with its graceful leaps and delicate movements, visually mimics the fluttering of a butterfly, reinforcing this central metaphor.
The butterfly motif is present throughout the series, from the title itself to the visual language of the ballet performances. The final performance Deok-chul and Chae-rok stage is even named "Navillera." The symbol encapsulates the entire message of the show: the beauty of a dream taking flight, even if that flight is as ephemeral as a butterfly's life.
Ballet
Ballet serves as a powerful symbol for the pursuit of a seemingly impossible dream. It represents discipline, grace, and a form of expression that transcends words. For Deok-chul, it is the physical manifestation of a lifelong desire for beauty and freedom. For Chae-rok, it is his lifeline, a connection to his late mother, and his only way of communicating his inner turmoil and aspirations.
The entire series is set against the backdrop of the ballet world. The physical pain and rigorous training involved in ballet mirror the emotional and societal struggles the characters face. The contrast between Deok-chul's aging, stiff body and the fluid grace he aspires to highlights the immense challenge he has undertaken. The climactic ballet performance is the culmination of their shared journey and emotional growth.
The Notebook
Deok-chul meticulously writes everything down in a notebook. Initially, this appears to be a charming quirk of an elderly man learning something new. However, it later symbolizes his desperate fight against his fading memory due to Alzheimer's. The notebook becomes his anchor to reality, a tangible record of his dream, the ballet steps, and his precious time with Chae-rok.
Throughout the early episodes, Deok-chul is seen jotting down notes on everything from ballet positions to Chae-rok's food preferences. The significance of this action deepens profoundly when his Alzheimer's is revealed to the audience and other characters. It underscores the fragility of his situation and his quiet, determined struggle to hold onto his dream for as long as possible.
Philosophical Questions
Is it ever truly too late to pursue a lifelong dream?
The entire series is a resounding 'no' to this question. Through Deok-chul, the show argues that the pursuit of a dream is not defined by age or physical capability, but by the courage to start. It explores how society and even family can impose limitations based on age, but personal fulfillment comes from breaking free of those expectations. The series suggests the value is not necessarily in achieving mastery, but in the joy and meaning found in the journey itself.
What is the nature of memory and identity?
With the introduction of Deok-chul's Alzheimer's, the series delves into the connection between memory and self. As Deok-chul fears forgetting his dream, the show asks what remains of a person when their memories fade. The poignant conclusion, where his body remembers the ballet movements even when his mind is clouded, suggests that identity and passion are stored in more than just our cognitive memories. They are imprinted on our bodies and our spirits, an idea beautifully encapsulated in the concept of 'muscle memory.'
What defines a meaningful life?
"Navillera" contrasts a life lived through duty and responsibility with one that embraces personal passion. Deok-chul spent most of his life as a dedicated postman, husband, and father, a life that was honorable but left a part of him unfulfilled. The series posits that a truly meaningful life requires a balance, and that self-actualization and pursuing what makes you 'soar' is a vital component of human existence, regardless of when you begin. It inspires reflection on whether success is measured by societal standards or by personal happiness and courage.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Navillera" is a powerful and tender assertion that it is never too late to pursue a dream. The series champions the idea that passion and the desire for self-fulfillment have no age limit. Through the journey of a septuagenarian learning ballet, the creators convey a message of hope, courage, and the importance of living without regrets. It explores the idea that life isn’t about waiting for the end but about soaring, even just once. The series also highlights the transformative power of intergenerational friendship and mutual support in overcoming life's hurdles, suggesting that fulfillment is found not just in achieving a dream, but in the shared journey and the connections made along the way.