Many of the old-timers on this blog know that one of my pet peeves is the pretentious use of the word “cinematography” to mean “panorama.” The kdrama “Mr. Sunshine comes to mind. It was mind-blowing how many fans raved about the cinematography when all they were really impressed about was the wide-angle shot used to capture the landscape.
I had this urge to tell fangirls, “Five G’s please!! Cinematography is a whole lot more than filming panorama.”
*5 G’s = Good god, get a grip, girl.
Cinematography is the technique of:
a) telling the story visually, and
b) influencing the mental and emotional response of the viewers,
c) by using different elements like camera movement and focus, lighting, color, and composition.
Aside from the script, acting, and editing, I credit the cinematography for enhancing my viewing pleasure. The cinematographer was able to give the nuance of the theme. I said in my First Impressions that at the core of this drama is the idea that life is fleeting. When viewed from the perspective of a 70-year-old man, the years from childhood to adulthood to old age seem to have flown so fast. Dreams and memories flit away like a butterfly.
In the last minutes of the drama, Grandpa Deolchul is filmed sitting on his favorite leather couch in front of the house. A wheelchair is parked beside him.
This is a good shot because it establishes the present and the future. Grandpa doesn’t need the wheelchair YET. He’s still ambulatory. But the wheelchair is looming in the foreground as a sign that he’s heading towards the time when walking will be a problem.
Grandpa talks to himself, “When will it snow?”
As soon as he says it, snowflakes begins to drift down.
The camera focuses on his eyes.
By now, it should have become obvious to viewers how the camera zooms in on his eyes for an extreme close-up. 🙂 To me, this shot indicates that, despite his vision being 20/20, his “mind’s eye” — or his mental faculty — can no longer see what his eyes can perfectly see.
This is the mental picture that his mind sees: a blurry white background with snow in the foreground.
This is what he’s seeing.
Some trivia here: Do you know that the Korean word for “snow” and “eyes” are the same? It’s “noon.”
For Grandpa, snow is something to look forward to, but he can no longer recall what he used to associate it with.
Remember in the beginning of Episode 8 when he told Chaerok that he didn’t always like snow? He said, “Chaerok. I’ve finally begun to like snow again. As an adult, I never liked snow. I had to clean it up because it’d get slippery. I’d get grumpy since it’d be difficult to deliver the letters. But now, it’s fascinating to see snow. It gives me butterflies. I feel like something’s going to happen.”
Then, at the end of Episode 8, his perception of snow as an inconvenience was changed when he watched Chaerok dancing in the snow for him. Suddenly, snow became a thing of awe-inspiring beauty for him.
It seems to me that when Grandpa wonders aloud when the snow will come, he’s voicing his unconscious wish to see Chaerok return. But in his current state of Alzheimer’s, he can’t put a name or a face to that desire of his.
That’s the reason he looks dazed as he wanders in the street. He seems to be following the sound of the railroad warning bell.
This is similar to that time in the past when he followed the music and found himself at Chaerok’s practice studio. He didn’t have a clue how he got there. All he knew was that, when he regained his senses, the sight of Chaerok dancing was “burned” into his mind.
Same principle is at work here when he walks to the railroad crossing.
The sight of snow triggers for him to go in search for a person he’s missing but can’t remember. Then, he follows the sound.
He arrives at the railroad crossing and he stops in front of the lowered gate. The train approaches and travels on.
This shot of Grandpa standing in front of moving train is powerfully evocative.
It tells the audience that time is still passing quickly for the rest of the world, but for this old man, his clock has already stopped. For me, the speeding train represents the passage of time.
Visually, after the train recedes from his view, he sees Chaerok. Symbolically, to me, this means that all that remains after the passage of time is his memory of Chaerok.
For the remainder of the scene, we’re given alternates shots of Chaerok’s and Grandpa’s reactions. This meant that the director filmed one actor’s lines and actions first then repeated the same thing for other actor. The editor combined the footages in the editing room so it looks like a seamless shot.
The long-distance shots immediately allow the viewers to make conclusions on how things have changed and remained constant in Chaerok’s three-year absence. For instance, Chaerok’s long wool coat is a outward sign of his success. He has grown up and achieved great things. He looks different.
On the other hand, Grandpa may be wearing a different colored winter coat but the style is still the same as the old one. And he still carries its bag with the strap crossing his chest. He looks familiar.
Then, the train gates are raised. The camera again gives us the perspectives from both sides.
Visually, the thin rods of the gate look like slender arms of ballerinas moving from second position to fifth position. I thought the rising motion of the gate was a prelude to the bows Grandpa and Chaerok will give each other.
Metaphorically, however, I think the raising of the gate means that both their memories are flooding in. Grandpa seems to catch his breath upon recognition.
Chaerok, on the other hand, smiles then bows his head to hold back his tears.
This actor is doing a good job. This role must be emotionally draining to portray because he’s constantly in tears.
Chaerok: Haraboji. I’m back.
Grandpa: (still gazing at him)
I like how the screen switches between the Grandpa’s and Chaerok’s faces. If you notice, very little was said by the two characters. Chaerok only says that he’s back, and the Grandpa only asks if he soared. Their facial expressions, and body movements did all the talking — just like in ballet. That’s why it was important for the screen to switch back and forth.
Chaerok raises his left arm to second position, then draws his arm in to place his hand over his heart. He bows his head.
Grandpa: Did you soar?
Chaerok: (tearfully nodding)
Then, Grandpa raises his right hand and moves his leg to second position. He closes in first position and bows his head, too.
Love how graceful he did this reverence.
In ballet, these ballet bows or curtseys are called a “reverence.” As the name implies, it’s a gesture of respect for someone who moved or inspired the dancer. It’s like paying an homage to the ballet teacher, dance partner, the audience, the pianist, the orchestra. Here, Chaerok and Grandpa are bowing to show their deep and abiding gratitude to other person.
It’s fitting that Chaerok acknowledges the impact of Grandpa on his life. He changed for the better because of him. He couldn’t have soared without Grandpa.
It’s also fitting that the Grandpa bows to Chaerok since Chaerok made it possible for him to accomplish his dream. Chaerok knew that even though it was too late for Grandpa to become a dancer, deep in his heart, Grandpa wanted to be on stage. Chaerok gave him that precious moment to soar even just in his lifetime.
From Episode 9, Grandpa said, “What really scares me is that someday, I might not be able to do what I want or don’t even remember what I want to do anymore. That’s why this moment is precious to me. I’m not going to hesitate. I’m going to give it my all.”
It was very touching that their first greeting to each other was an elegant and reverent hello.
Last but not the least, let me explain how I understand the cinematography here.
To me, when the director gives the viewers an aerial or bird’s-eye view as the final shot of the film, it’s usually to encourage the viewers to look at the big picture and see the overarching idea of the story. That’s what I think the director did here: he established the relationship of an unlikely couple.
In normal circumstances, Chaerok’s and the Grandpa’s paths would never have crossed. They’re like two parallel train tracks; they’re different from each other. They’re heading towards different directions: Grandpa was already at the twilight of his life, while Chaerok was only about to begin his adventures.
But do you see that road running in the middle of the frame and intersecting both train tracks?
To me, that road represents Chaerok’s and the Grandpa’s shared love for ballet. Ballet is their connection that allowed them to meet at an unexpected juncture in their lives.
Now, do you also notice the composition of this camera shot?
The Grandpa is located at the bottom left hand side of the frame while Chaerok is on the upper right hand side of the frame. I don’t think their positioning is accidental. You see, I view their relationship like a seesaw. They give and take. They balance each other.
Grandpa’s located at the bottom because his down-to-earth personality gave Chaerok the solid grounding he needed to soar. Meanwhile, Chaerok’s located at the top because it’s his sublime and ethereal dancing that inspired Grandpa to let his dream take flight.
This final camera shot tells me that Grandpa gave Chaerok roots and Chaerok gave him wings. Together, they lifted each other up.
Of course, we all know all of this, given the narrative arcs of the characters. But our understanding of the theme and message of this drama are enriched by the visuals captured by the cinematography.
I don’t know if there’s a Part 2….Let me see if I’ve time.
Your analysis is as lovely as this little drama itself. Of course, your eye caught so much more than mine and I am so delighted you shared your insights. I loved this story so much, and I hate to see it end. The end was satisfying, though, and that’s the best you can have when something you love is over. I don’t know how old you are, but I think you much younger than I am. I am 68 and found so much truth in this story. Family is important always. We don’t know them or other people as well as we think and they will always surprise us. And – don’t delay your dreams.
🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪 Sigh…this drama was beautiful on so many levels. Thanks for the write up. I love the restraint the writer used in most of the relationships. And the PD reflected that in the scenes. The dialogue was often scanty but punchy. And yes you’re right, in ballet, the emotions are conveyed in wordless movements and the music. It’s the context of the scene that lends it meaning. I know some of the younger viewers were longing for some development in the romance front between EunHo and CR but honestly that would’ve detracted from the main impetus of the show – the dance (in life and on stage) between CR and DC. And yes to Song Kang’s delicate portrayal of CR. His gruff impatience so reminiscent of youth contrasted wonderfully with Haraboji’s long suffering. SongKang did well. I much prefer him to Rowoon 😂.
Sigh. I was drawn to Song Kang’s acting. I’m looking forward to his next project.
I know LeeDale9198 mentioned something about a romance between Chaerok and the granddaughter 🙂 but that’s a hard pass for me, too.
The romance would be “too much.” It would take away time, attention, and energy from the real focus of the drama which is the relationship between the Grandpa and Chaerok.
As it stands, the drama was just right.
@packmule3,I loved this drama on so many levels,but your post brought to mind how profound the drama was/is. It didn’t go where more superficial dramas would. There wasnorkmance between Chaerok and granddaughter. We did see a friendship based on their love of Grandpa and their desires to find happiness in their life’s work. The other characters were given arcs.And for themost part, the performances were quiet. The depiction of Alzheimers was not sensationalized. And the issues relating to caretaking were realistic. I limedthe fact that the daughter in the family did not become miraculously pregnant but ca e to the affirming cknclusion that she was destined to be a caretaker,mirroring how her Dad cared for her. I liked that couple because they seemed real to me.
One of the lovely elements of this drama was how one’s definition of happiness/success is challenged. From Chaerok’s former soccer expectations to his friends’,granddaughter’s finding her way out of the corporate expectation of her fTher, documentary maker doctor’s return to medicine upon seeing an authentic way to practice it, businessman’s disappointments thzt helped him via grandpa to return to his beloved baseball, our injured primo Ballerino and his ballet instructor wife wno found reconcilliation and purpose thanks, in part to grandpa and so much more. I aldo ,oved our Grandparents’ love story.It depicted marriage and its compromises so well. Grandpa was fairly “successful” in hiding his Alzheimers early on in the hopes of not burdening his loved ones. But when he forgot his anniversary (something grandma took pride in knowing he always remembered) and when he got lost at the aquarium, so much hit home.Grandma showed hervdevotion to him during times of crisis and by hiscare and feeding. The drama showed the relationship realistically.
I think each episode was dense with all of these emotional moments-without a hint of sensationalism. And in the earlier episodes we got a chance to see what a
remarkable man Dok Chul,Grandpa is.The man is full of empathy.He’s thoughtful,caring, loyal,kind and self-effacing. He ,ives his life in service to others-his family and his friends. But it seems that his good deeds are expected and he seems to be invisible. He has enormous influence on the people in his life. But unlike the super heroes who are acknowledged, it is only at his time of crisis is he recognized. And Park In Hwan evinces the depth of this man in a wonderfully nuanced performance. It makes me very happy that Korea offers its older actors the chancevto be seen in these meaty roles.
I will say that when the Alzheimers story came up, I yelled at the tv.i wanted Dok Chul to fully appreciate his performance-oh well… And I wondered how Chaerokcould afford his lessons and the cost of the competitions, once he quit his job, and with his dad inprison.Did he also own his apartment and howcould he afford to eat out.
And Song Kang also gave a wonderful performance. He isnot just a pretty face. The production did a nice job integrating the body double ballet performances too. This is another example of how k dramas guve a glimpse into the beauty of the classical arts. It’s something rarely seen in American works.
And in the end the tragedy rests on the family and dear friends. They remember,but our Dok Chul is lost because of the evil trick his body has played on him. Chaerok was unable to physically be there for him. But, on some levels he was fulfilling Dok Chul’s dream by proxy. And in the end it snowed, a heartfelt symbol of love…
As someone who see a big picture and not too detail oriented.. I always grateful whenever reading your post packmule3.. also for other posters here who are so detail oriented. It gives me a complete perspective in my drama appreciations.
I know I love the ending scene so much, but i can never portray them as detailed and as beautiful as this. I almost cry again when reading your post because the scenes are still running in my mind.
I also see the airport scene is beautiful. Usually we got to see the couple separation moment at the airport, but, this unlikely relationship between chaerok and haraboji bring the airport separation moment to the next level. I could feel Song Kang sadness by how he cry leaving haraboji, and also haraboji who really really wish he wouldn’t forget songkang face but at the same time he also realized it might be the last time he remember chaerok.
I agree that Song Kang’s performance here is great. Compare to Love Alarm, so much improvement that I could see of him. I’m also looking forward to his next projects.. haven’t seen him in Sweet Home, but his new romance project with Han So Hee (who played in the world of married couple) will be aired in this year too. Made me curious about that..
I guess we should also mention the “romance” between the ballet teachers. 😂. It’s typical for this writer to say so little yet give enough to the audience for closure. They kept dancing around each other didn’t they? His inferred interest with the request for the piano back. Her reticence initially. Grudging parting of it key by key 😂. Hey you have to make the man work for it. A woman has her dignity. And then finally, yes you can have it in its totality. 😂
And yes to the this drama being “just right”. Like Goldilocks. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right. ❤️
Beginning with @packmule3’s wonderfully perceptive analysis, followed by a set of such interesting and also perceptive comments, makes Navillera completely worthwhile for me. I did not watch it as the thread began, but now I’m very glad I did get around to watching it. I agree with everyone; this series is not remarkable for plot twists and notable characterisations, but it has the strength that comes from a straightforward treatment of two important themes and, as @packmule3 says, some fine cinematography.
I love the moment in the first episode when Chae-Rok is practicing a variation from the ballet “Pasquita grand pas classique” and performs what is generally accepted as the most difficult step in ballet – the grand jete (doing splits in the air and seeming to hover in the middle of the leap; and sorry I can’t put the acute accent on the second e), where with a very nice touch of cinematography the director puts the leap into slow motion. Mind you, the professional stunt double doing this for Song Kang seems to perform this and other fiendishly difficult steps with complete technical and artistic mastery. I wonder who he is. However, there are many places where Song Kang shows his own considerable abilities as a dancer.
And another lovely cinematographic moment comes in the final episode, where, at the culmination of their performance, the brilliant young man and the fading grandfather prepare for their final leap, which we don’t see. All the director shows us is a fleeting shot of the dancers’ feet. This is pretty good stuff, although I wish they had stayed with the Tchaikovsky score and given us that wonderful moment when the mode changes from minor to major. But we can’t have everything.
But thank you to everyone. I ended up watching a completely enjoyable series, one I’m glad I didn’t miss after all.
@Juriel his body double was Kim MyungYoon.
https://instagram.com/free_yun93_?igshid=1709evgmb9k77
@nrllee Thank you. Much appreciated. I do enjoy knowing production details more than what AsianWiki provide.
Can you blame me for expecting romance (even just a little bit) between the young people when one of the promotional posters was the two of them with a caption “Are we on a date?”? 🤣🤣🤣 That poster was what lead me to watch the drama in the first place! 😂🤡
And then when it is known that the lead is Grandpa, I became more intrigued. How would this drama incorporate romance to the slice-of-life story of Grandpa? Maybe the production team has some tricks up their sleeves, so maybe I could see and expect some refreshing take on romance.
Then when the first episodes aired, I could see Chaerok and Eunho being drawn to each other. When they were working in the restaurant, Chaerok was always there whenever Eunho messes up, and helps and rescues her even when he doesn’t have to. And then fate brought them together and they became friends because of Grandpa.
Granted, their encounters so far after their work stint at the restaurant always has to do with Grandpa, but they’re getting along just fine. But as episodes played by, I could see that the two were focus on chasing their dreams and happiness, soooooo I was sad that I have to put down my expectations that a young romance would bloom.
Sighs. When I saw how perked up Chaerok was when Eunho relayed to him that she’s happy working at the radio station, my hopes went up. Like ooohhh, maybe Chaerok is liking Eunho now slowly. I don’t know, the way Song Kang played Chaerok in this scene, I felt and see Chaerok being giddy in a different way than how he is so far when he’s smiling and happy.
So I set my mind like yeah in the current time, they are still friends to each other, but maybe in the future they could be romantically involved 😂👉👈.
Come the 3-year timeskip. Yeeeeeeee I wish I could see some hints of how their relationship progress. Their chatbox or something. Chaerok could’ve been invited to Eunho’s radio program, so there could be a scene where Eunho was talking to Chaerok on the phone or something.
All I ask (and all I can do now is wish) for is a hint. And the drama didn’t give me any. Instead, the trick up their sleeves is the love story of the two ballet teachers! Now the romance is here 🤣😭😂😢😩.
There’s nothing else I could do but to accept the otherwise beautiful drama. What I see is what I get afterall. I love the overall story. But let me keep some reservations here, the promo tricked me (to watch the drama) afterall 😅.
I would love to say, I see that this drama adapted the webtoon so well! I’m impressed with how good kdrama productions are in adapting webtoon materials.
Well actually, I didn’t read the webtoon. But live action adaptations don’t have to adapt the webtoon detail per detail. What’s important is the story and the lessons would be relayed and translated well in the drama or movie. I could attest for Navillera and The Uncanny Counter. And I guess True Beauty and Extraordinary You too.
I could say Navillera was adapted well because there was no romance in the drama, just like how there was no romance in the webtoon as well 🤣.
And also also, there are times when drama portrays a scene/situation better than webtoon. I saw the first and second chapter/episode of Navillera webtoon. In there, Grandpa was actually working at a junk/scrap shop I think.
And the snow! In the webtoon, Chaerok actually danced in the rain! So yeah I love that the drama changed rain to snow!
Nah can’t blame you @LeeDale9198. 😂. I was thinking the same and even Haraboji was moving them together at one point? But like all good writers, the writer of Navillera realized that to allow the romance to blossom would take away from the main act of Haraboji and CR. Even the ballet teachers’ romance you could hardly call mind blowing. It was all very tastefully done and she gave us just enough. In the big scheme of things, there are more important things in life than just young romance. It was a lovely drama. Short and punchy. It never felt draggy or contrived. I will definitely watch her next drama offering.
@nrllee and definitely no second season needed too! With how Netflix is going with their kdrama offerings, Navillera is a rare treat from them!
The writer is definitely a good one. They’ve done a great job telling the story in only 12 episodes instead of the usual 16 episodes.
Anyway, I’m gonna take comfort at the fun fact that the older actors were also disappointed at the lack of romance between Chaerok and Eunho according to Hong SeungHee, Eunho’s actress. Well, she also said that CR and EH’s friendship is just as wonderful as like a romance. Just like Song Kang, I’m also looking forward to her success in the industry. She’s also done a great job playing Eunho.
I’ve started to watch this and I thought what a feat for Haraboji to take on that 1 minute sous-sous?
Kalimera Everyone,
I have finished watching Navillera and I really enjoyed it.
There are times, that we need people to be there for us, believe in us and that faith they have on us, makes us succeed or roar as Horaboji said.
So, yes to beautiful stories that makes us remember that we all have dreams, that is not too late to start fresh and anew and it doesn’t matter if we are terrified.
As long as we have another person with us, that shares our love, understands us and accepts us for whoe we are, then we can managed it all.