I have to say that this drama has moved into my top 3 favorite shows. I can't wait to see the next show and I find myself becoming more and more emotional with the development of Lee Chae Rok and Shim Deok Chul's heartwarming relationship. The director Dong-Hwa Han should be given a standing ovation as well as an academy award in my opinion. I look forward to seeing many more shows by this amazing director and awesome writers Lee Eun-Mi and Hun. The cast is also academy award worthy. They work so well together.... outstanding job of cast choice!
76 Reviews
10/10 for me
cup_qt30 March 2021
I wish more people would watch this drama. It's not a typical romantic or action series which interest the majority but the story alone can move anyone cuz it's so heart-warming and touching. Plus the acting is superb.
This show deserve a golden globe.
julietavillalaz27 April 2021
What an incredible acting! I knew that koreans are good artists but the performances of In-Hwan Park and Song Kang are worthy of a Golden Globe. I waited until the last episode to write this review. This is an amazing drama about life itself from the very beginning to the end. This series made me cry and I must point out that I am not an emotional person.
Outstanding
thefensk20 June 2021
No spoilers here, but this excellent series is even more well-done than most Korean dramas. It puts American TV to shame. I don't give many "10" scores but this one effortlessly earns it. Acting, story, staging, music ... this one scores in every category. Not to be missed.
Not your typical drama
cybergus1812 April 2021
Absolutely heartwarming
droche-4996628 April 2021
Just finished watching the last episode with tears in my eyes but also with the biggest grin. It was a very satisfying ending to a beautifully done story of a man achieving his dream long after an age when most wouldn't even begin trying. The love and respect between the teacher and student is obvious but so is the love of family and friends. A great family show that can be enjoyed by a wide audience.
The beauty in following your dreams
laudelpino1 May 2021
One of the best dramas I have seen. Is a reminder never to let go of your dreams no matter how old you are, it is inspiring and so beautiful.
Had me crying so many times, specially touching as someone in my family suffered from dementia.
You can't miss going on this journey with Duk-Chol.
Thanks for making this wonderful show.
Had me crying so many times, specially touching as someone in my family suffered from dementia.
You can't miss going on this journey with Duk-Chol.
Thanks for making this wonderful show.
If it was a movie it would worth an OSCAR!
natassa-athens9 May 2021
Heartwarming story of a friendship and care being developed between a young man and an old one.
Never give up on your dreams no matter what, is the 1st message.
Talent with no hard work and practice is not enough to win, is the 2nd message.
Forgiveness and understanding warms and heals people's hearts, is the 3rd message.
What can I say about this MASTERPIECE!!! I am speechless!!!
The 2 leads were performing so amazingly that they were capturing the screen and our hearts! Park In-Hwan was so great!!!! Song Kang (OMG!!!) was stunning, a God of acting and beauty!!! I admired him for his versatility and his skills!!!
The aesthetics of this series in the ballet scenes was out of this world!!! I loved them especially in the last episode, where I watched them again and again!!!
I have seen about 90 kdrama series so far, and this one is definitely now one of my top favorites in my list.
Very well done to all cast, director, script writer and the rest crew. You all did a great job! :)
Never give up on your dreams no matter what, is the 1st message.
Talent with no hard work and practice is not enough to win, is the 2nd message.
Forgiveness and understanding warms and heals people's hearts, is the 3rd message.
What can I say about this MASTERPIECE!!! I am speechless!!!
The 2 leads were performing so amazingly that they were capturing the screen and our hearts! Park In-Hwan was so great!!!! Song Kang (OMG!!!) was stunning, a God of acting and beauty!!! I admired him for his versatility and his skills!!!
The aesthetics of this series in the ballet scenes was out of this world!!! I loved them especially in the last episode, where I watched them again and again!!!
I have seen about 90 kdrama series so far, and this one is definitely now one of my top favorites in my list.
Very well done to all cast, director, script writer and the rest crew. You all did a great job! :)
Nabillera the best and cutest series
vandhu-7726223 March 2021
Dream. Love. Warmth. Time.
xeniamd-3521020 May 2021
This is the only Kdrama in which I cried on all episodes! Bravo, Song Kang (Chae-Rok) and Park In-wan (Shim Deok-chul)! You both deserve awards for this drama.
I am truly impressed on how all the actors delivered their characters magnificently!
Massive salute to the Director, Han Dong-hwa and Screenwriter Lee Eun-mi!
10/10 without a doubt! Highly recommended!
Grand jeté! 💞 Soar high, everyone!!! 💙
I am truly impressed on how all the actors delivered their characters magnificently!
Massive salute to the Director, Han Dong-hwa and Screenwriter Lee Eun-mi!
10/10 without a doubt! Highly recommended!
Grand jeté! 💞 Soar high, everyone!!! 💙
Grace and Elegance
AJ_McAninch1 May 2021
Much like the image of the butterfly and the soul in poetry and art, this series is superb, sweet, and compassionate with the grace and elegance of ballet as the frame for the deeply touching real story. The cast, direction, cinematography, and writing are outstanding: not a misstep anywhere as all involved work to tell the story of discovery, friendship, love, support, forgiveness, and healing. Filmed with such love and gentleness, this is one of Korea's finest series in its relatively short but brilliant history. Strongly recommended.
Could have been better
JennySmuts-SA5 July 2021
This is the first Korean series I have watched. I was drawn to it because of the ballet. It turned out that there really isn't that much ballet in this drama but I kept watching because I really felt for all the characters and wanted to see what would happen to them. However, I feel that the series was too drawn out and could have been told just as successfully with fewer and shorter episodes.
Boring
koelko17 October 2021
I liked Song Kang in Love Alarm and Sweet Home, but even he can't save this. This show is just so boring. It's boring from the very start but as it goes on it becomes even more boring. I can't even finish the seventh episode.
I don't know what it is trying to even tell, it feels like there is no story to convey. It is like watching some random 20-year-old man's life that is not interesting. The fact that he trains ballet could be interesting but him actually doing it is shown maybe a minute per episode - very weird, since the whole premise kind of revolves around it. Otherwise, there would be no plot at ALL.
So, I don't understand why is this even a show. Why not show more of Song Kang dancing rather than focus on all the pointless drama that goes no where? Episodes are filled with pointless dialogue and drama. Some scenes are entertaining but rather than that, lead to no where or give any substance to the story whatsoever. I don't get the high raitings for this one. It's not an 8.8. I'd say it's one of the worst dramas of 2021 (if not the worst). The actors did a great job but other than that, the show is bland. The main character is bland and so is his love interest (though she's a good actor). I liked the grandpa but even he gets boring around the sixth or fifth episode. There is just no interesting story. Even the bully and his motives aren't clear and it feels like the writer is keeping things from the viewer, as for waiting to reveal more in the future episodes, what ends up filling episodes with pointless drama and stupid dialogue, and scenes. Who cares if the grandpa's son does not like that the grandpa does ballet!? No one!
Most of this is just pointless filler but the vibe is fine. The characters are boring but work well. 5 stars for the acting (especially for Song Kang's effort). But I can't finish this.
Don't watch it even if you like slow "slice of life" type of shows like Romance is a bonus book. You'll be disappointed.
I don't know what it is trying to even tell, it feels like there is no story to convey. It is like watching some random 20-year-old man's life that is not interesting. The fact that he trains ballet could be interesting but him actually doing it is shown maybe a minute per episode - very weird, since the whole premise kind of revolves around it. Otherwise, there would be no plot at ALL.
So, I don't understand why is this even a show. Why not show more of Song Kang dancing rather than focus on all the pointless drama that goes no where? Episodes are filled with pointless dialogue and drama. Some scenes are entertaining but rather than that, lead to no where or give any substance to the story whatsoever. I don't get the high raitings for this one. It's not an 8.8. I'd say it's one of the worst dramas of 2021 (if not the worst). The actors did a great job but other than that, the show is bland. The main character is bland and so is his love interest (though she's a good actor). I liked the grandpa but even he gets boring around the sixth or fifth episode. There is just no interesting story. Even the bully and his motives aren't clear and it feels like the writer is keeping things from the viewer, as for waiting to reveal more in the future episodes, what ends up filling episodes with pointless drama and stupid dialogue, and scenes. Who cares if the grandpa's son does not like that the grandpa does ballet!? No one!
Most of this is just pointless filler but the vibe is fine. The characters are boring but work well. 5 stars for the acting (especially for Song Kang's effort). But I can't finish this.
Don't watch it even if you like slow "slice of life" type of shows like Romance is a bonus book. You'll be disappointed.
Did You Soar?
bakerstreetdozen13 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Words fail me for how beautiful this show is. It combines two aspects that have touched my life greatly at one time or another, the first being ballet -- I danced as a kid, but had to give it up due to my own disability -- and dementia -- something which has affected my grandmother for many years now. This is the most honest portrayal of dementia I have ever seen on screen, which made it heartbreaking at times, and I cried through various episodes, but that only lends to the power of this show. Truly magical. Park In-Hwan and Song Kang have done a fantastic job playing these two men. I can't say enough.
Heartfelt and very heartwarming!!
ginahiza27 April 2021
A beautiful story told in a beautiful way. I really enjoyed watching this programming regardless of my lack of interest in ballet. I thought I wouldn't enjoy it since ballet doesn't pique my interest. The acting was good, the cinematography was good, the cast was good and the directing was good. Everything was good!! Some parts were quite emotional and very well executed!!
Heartwarming drama
harshakansara27 April 2021
Navillera pulls at the heart strings like a puppeteer to a puppet
sawensel12 June 2021
1.) They picked the cutest old man for this role
I really almost could not finish this series because of the emotions it made me feel. I was in tears.
It took me through the full spectrum: Inspiration, joy, sadness, grief, and hope. I felt a longing for family or the familial in a very visceral way.
2.) They picked the cutest youngin' for the role
There is a beautiful juxtaposition between youth and age. Being at the peak of youth and sunsetting after well after you prime. It was poetic watching the two main characters interact, feed each other, motivating each other, and the ultimate take away for me:
You can learn at every stage of your life, that family/security is important, and that it is never too late to dream.
10/10 recommended.
I really almost could not finish this series because of the emotions it made me feel. I was in tears.
It took me through the full spectrum: Inspiration, joy, sadness, grief, and hope. I felt a longing for family or the familial in a very visceral way.
2.) They picked the cutest youngin' for the role
There is a beautiful juxtaposition between youth and age. Being at the peak of youth and sunsetting after well after you prime. It was poetic watching the two main characters interact, feed each other, motivating each other, and the ultimate take away for me:
You can learn at every stage of your life, that family/security is important, and that it is never too late to dream.
10/10 recommended.
Truly amazing story that touches my heart
yukizou16 April 2021
Really THE best K-Drama of the year for me.
It's really moving, so refreshing, and thought provoking.
I cried for every episode, but I also feel so healed and encouraged by the show.
It really touched some of the softest part of my heart.
The first episode is a little bit slow, but it really builds the foundation well. Recommend it to everyone.
Also strong shout out to amazing acting of Park In-Hwa and Song Kang! I'm surprised by Song Kang's flexibility and range of acting (plus his ballet scenes in the snow at end of EP8 is absolutely gorgeous.)
It's really moving, so refreshing, and thought provoking.
I cried for every episode, but I also feel so healed and encouraged by the show.
It really touched some of the softest part of my heart.
The first episode is a little bit slow, but it really builds the foundation well. Recommend it to everyone.
Also strong shout out to amazing acting of Park In-Hwa and Song Kang! I'm surprised by Song Kang's flexibility and range of acting (plus his ballet scenes in the snow at end of EP8 is absolutely gorgeous.)
I upgraded my rating.
pittkerry23 June 2021
Why did I upgrade from a 9/10 to a 10/10? Because this series deserves all of it. I am still very emotional when I think of it and honestly I do not believe this Series? Movie? Could be done any better than it was. The Chemistry between the two Leads is incredible, the lessons you will learn are important! Your life will be made better and your heart will be moved when you watch this. Do not miss out!
From Black hair to Grey hair
refordgarry8 May 2021
The aged "Mr. Sim" is a loving grandfather in a touching tale about an old man's battle to fulfil his frustrated childhood ambition to learn Ballet, but Mr. Sim, in his battle to find his most cherished desires becomes an unwitting agent of change for almost e-v-e-r-y-b-o-d-y around him. The nice thing about this human drama is that no actor stands out too far from the crew, though all make a genuine contribution to presenting the audience with this sometimes sad but often heart-warming tale.
Truly one of the very best k-dramas I've seen
xelaetal29 April 2021
I cannot believe how much I cried with this drama. I was probably in tears every single episode. Each of the characters has a struggle and a story of their own, and the series could not have told these stories any better than it did. Having said this, if the prospect of a depressing drama concerns you, worry not! I laughed a lot too -- deep down this drama is quite lighthearted and uplifting. The ending was also very satisfying, with all subnarratives coming to a natural resolution by the end. Definitely recommend!
Weaker than expected
Park_Min8 July 2023
It's good enough but not that good! It's highly rated so it's only natural to get into it with high expectations, unfortunately, it became quickly evident what kind of show I'll be getting. As a life drama, it lacked the essence of genuine human connection and eventually dipped in mediocrity trying to achieve that artificially by adopting quick, dry and cutthroat life cliches lacking nuances, depth, relevant characterization and thematic attachment. Aside from the 2 main characters, none of the side cast was interesting the slightest and clearly had the absolute minimal amount of effort put into them which is why the drama may come off as boring sometimes. Speaking of effort, the soundtrack was abysmal if you are watching it from Netflix! They clearly didn't give any attention to it and slapped in some royalty free default tracks because it's easier for Netflix to distribute it world wide. The TV version had real music and songs which is really important for a drama of this theme. Stupid Netflix as always. One more thing, the drama has this habits of sprinkling in a handful of random mini stories for the side characters that doesn't get attention for more than 2 scenes or contribute to the overall narrative in a desperate attempt to buff up the drama. The only noteworthy thing about this drama is having an elderly cast getting the spotlight which we don't see often, otherwise, it's a bland collection of life drama cliches with the occasional nice moments.
Too much of the old and not enough of the young
phd_travel5 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Promising at first. An old man who wants to do ballet and a young dancer form an affecting friendship. The problem is there was too much about the old man's Alzheimer's and not enough about the young man's dancing. The focus should have been more on the dancer's career instead of illness. The obstacles like the young man's injury and family opposition for the old man felt cliched and forced. The back stories of each one and family history were interesting at first then were draggy. 12 episodes was too much. 10 would have sufficed.
Some good points. Expert blending of Song Kang and a body double dancer so that it looked like he really was dancing. He got into shape and practiced for the role and it shows.
Some good points. Expert blending of Song Kang and a body double dancer so that it looked like he really was dancing. He got into shape and practiced for the role and it shows.
Heartwarming
Lola-5399912 May 2021
A movie from the heart!
pittkerry21 June 2021
Almost immediately, the characters are introduced and from then on it is a heart wrenching story of challenge, rising from the ashes and maybe being born anew.
I think it teaches us that what we love in life is far more important than what others think we need. One of the best movies I have seen in a long time.
I think it teaches us that what we love in life is far more important than what others think we need. One of the best movies I have seen in a long time.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
