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.