8.7 / 10 (based on 2566 reviews)
A 70-year-old with a dream and a 23-year-old with a gift lift each other out of harsh realities and rise to the challenge of becoming ballerinos.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: In-hwan Park, Song Kang, Moon-hee Na, Hong Seung-hee
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 60-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Nabillera (2021)
Move to Heaven (2021)
8.5 / 10 (based on 7098 reviews)
Working as trauma cleaners, both Gu-ru and Sang-gu uncover various stories of the deceased while experiencing different emotions and sentiments toward life, death and family.
Genre: Drama
Main Cast: Olivia Castanho, Lee Jehoon, Tang Joon-sang, Sanyee Yuan
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Nevertheless (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 6479 reviews)
The intoxicating charm of a flirtatious art school classmate pulls a reluctant love cynic into a friends-with-benefits relationship.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Han So-hee, Song Kang, Lee Ho-jung, Yang Hye-Ji
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 10 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
Binsenjo (2021)
8.4 / 10 (based on 20990 reviews)
During a visit to his motherland, a Korean-Italian mafia lawyer gives an unrivaled conglomerate a taste of its own medicine with a side of justice.
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Main Cast: Song Joong-ki, Jeon Yeo-bin, Taecyeon, Kwak Dong-yeon
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 21 episodes, 80.0-minute runtime
Joahamyeon Ullineun (2019)
6.7 / 10 (based on 6400 reviews)
In a world where an app alerts people if someone in the vicinity likes them, Kim Jojo experiences young love while coping with personal adversities.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Kim So-Hyun, Song Kang, Ga-ram Jung, Go Min-Si
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 14 episodes, 50.0-minute runtime
Law School (2021)
8 / 10 (based on 2537 reviews)
When a grim incident occurs at their prestigious school, justice through law is put to a test by a tough law professor and his ambitious students.
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Main Cast: Myung-Min Kim, Kim Bum, Hye-young Ryu, Lee Jeong-eun
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 65.0-minute runtime
Oworui Cheongchun (2021)
8.4 / 10 (based on 1558 reviews)
Set in 1980s during the Gwangju Uprising, Youth of May tells the love story of a medical student Hwang Hee Tae and a nurse Kim Myung Hee.
Genre: Drama, History, Romance
Main Cast: Lee Do-Hyun, Go Min-Si, Sang-yi Lee, Sae-Rok Keum
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 65.0-minute runtime
Eoneu Nal Uri Jib Hyeongwaeuro Myeolmangyi Deuleowassda (2021)
8 / 10 (based on 4596 reviews)
Tak Dong Kyung lives a fairly ordinary life until she stumbles into an unexpected fate and ends up signing a hundred-day contract with Myul Mang, risking her everything.
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Park Bo-Young, Seo In-Guk, Lee Soo-hyuk, Tae-oh Kang
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 65.0-minute runtime
Gwimul (2021)
8.1 / 10 (based on 3940 reviews)
The story of two fearless men who are willing to go through extreme lengths in their pursuit of a returning serial killer. To uncover the murderer’s identity, the two are forced to look deeper than what the evidence seems to suggest.
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Main Cast: Shin Ha-kyun, Yeo Jin-gu, Shin-rock Kim, Choi Dae-hoon
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
Mobeomtaeksi (2021)
8 / 10 (based on 3559 reviews)
The story of a deluxe taxi driver who gets revenge on behalf of his passengers. It is based on the webtoon Deluxe Taxi by Carlos and Lee Jae-jin
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller
Main Cast: Lee Jehoon, Esom, Eui-sung Kim, Pyo Ye-Jin
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
8.4 / 10 (based on 14512 reviews)
A big-city dentist opens up a practice in a close-knit seaside village, home to a charming jack-of-all-trades who is her polar opposite in every way.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-Ho, Harrison Xu, Lee Bong-ryun
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
Run On (2020)
7.5 / 10 (based on 4009 reviews)
Veering off course from his preset path, a track star follows his own pace and heart for the first time after a film translator steps into his life
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Si-wan Yim, Shin Se-Kyung, Sooyoung Choi, Tae-oh Kang
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
Yi Guyeokui Michin X (2021)
7.9 / 10 (based on 2131 reviews)
Bothered to realize they are next-door neighbors and share a psychiatrist, a man and a woman find it’s impossible to stay out of each other’s way.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Woo Jung, Yeon-Seo Oh, Su-Hyun Lee, Lee Hye-Ra
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
In the realm of television, where genres are often recycled and plots can feel as though they’ve been pulled from a template, “Navillera,” a 2021 South Korean drama, emerges as a breath of fresh air. This series, based on the webtoon of the same name by Hun and Ji-Min, weaves a tale that is as unexpected as it is touching, focusing on themes of dreams, aging, and the connections that bind us.
The Unlikely Dreamer
At the heart of “Navillera” is Shim Deok-chul, a 70-year-old retiree portrayed with depth and nuance by Park In-hwan. Deok-chul, after a lifetime of putting others first, decides to chase his long-suppressed dream of learning ballet. Yes, you read that right—ballet. It’s not every day you see a septuagenarian donning ballet shoes, and this unique premise sets the stage for a story that defies expectations.
Deok-chul’s decision is met with skepticism and concern from his family, who view his newfound passion as a whimsical phase at best and a sign of dementia at worst. However, Deok-chul’s resolve is unwavering. He enrolls in a ballet academy, where he meets Lee Chae-rok, a talented but troubled young ballet dancer played by Song Kang. Chae-rok is battling his own demons, struggling with a fractured family life and the immense pressure of his ballet career. The unlikely pair forms a bond, with Deok-chul’s unwavering optimism and gentle wisdom offering a beacon of hope to Chae-rok.
Breaking Stereotypes
“Navillera” is a masterclass in breaking stereotypes, both in terms of its characters and its storytelling. Deok-chul challenges the notion that age is a barrier to pursuing new dreams. His journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to embrace one’s passions. Meanwhile, Chae-rok’s character dismantles the stereotype of the flawless prodigy. Despite his talent, Chae-rok is deeply flawed and human, grappling with issues that many viewers will find relatable.
The series also challenges societal expectations around masculinity and the arts. Ballet, often stereotypically viewed as a feminine pursuit, is depicted with a profound respect and admiration. “Navillera” showcases the athleticism, discipline, and artistry required of ballet dancers, regardless of gender. Through Deok-chul and Chae-rok’s experiences, the series promotes a message of inclusivity and the importance of following one’s heart, irrespective of societal norms.
The Power of Connection
At its core, “Navillera” is a story about connection. The relationship between Deok-chul and Chae-rok transcends age, background, and life experiences, highlighting the universal need for understanding and companionship. Their bond is not without its challenges, but it’s their unwavering support for one another that truly resonates. This theme of connection extends beyond the central duo, touching on the relationships between parents and children, teachers and students, and friends.
The series adeptly portrays how these connections can both uplift and burden us. Deok-chul’s family, for instance, initially views his ballet pursuits through a lens of concern and misunderstanding. However, as they begin to see the joy and fulfillment it brings him, they start to reassess their own lives and the dreams they’ve set aside. “Navillera” suggests that our relationships have the power to inspire change, not just in others, but in ourselves.
A Visual and Emotional Journey
“Navillera” is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the soul. The ballet sequences are beautifully choreographed and shot, capturing the grace and emotion of dance. These scenes are not just visually stunning; they serve as a metaphor for the characters’ emotional journeys. Each leap and pirouette reflects their struggles, victories, and growth. The series’ use of music further enhances the emotional impact, with a score that perfectly complements the narrative’s highs and lows.
But it’s the performances of the cast that truly bring “Navillera” to life. Park In-hwan delivers a career-defining performance as Deok-chul, perfectly capturing the character’s warmth, determination, and vulnerability. Song Kang, meanwhile, brings depth to Chae-rok, portraying his journey from isolation to acceptance with subtlety and nuance. The supporting cast, too, adds layers to the story, creating a world that feels real and lived-in.
Conclusion
“Navillera” is more than just a TV show; it’s a poignant exploration of dreams, aging, and the human capacity for connection. It challenges viewers to reconsider their preconceptions about age, art, and ambition, all while telling a story that is deeply human and universally relatable. Whether you’re a fan of ballet, a sucker for a good underdog story, or simply in search of a series that offers something different, “Navillera” is well worth your time.
In a landscape often dominated by predictable plots and stereotypical characters, “Navillera” stands out as a testament to the power of storytelling. It reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue our dreams, that connections can come from the most unexpected places, and that, sometimes, it’s the simplest stories that speak to us the most deeply. So, if you’re looking for a series that will make you laugh, cry, and perhaps even inspire you to dust off an old dream, give “Navillera” a chance. You might just find it to be the breath of fresh air you’ve been searching for.