This review may contain spoilers
Beautiful characters who you will laugh with, and cry with.
I have a lot I could say about this drama, however, I think many of the other reviews hit on the wonderfully written characters, the incredible acting, the beautiful OST. However, I think many people are disagreeing over the ending.Firstly, this drama was never meant to be about eternal love. It was about youth, about memories, and most importantly, about how timing is the biggest villain of them all. I think the ending we received in the show perfectly encapsulated that. The issues that caused the two to drift apart in episode 16 were not something that could be "simply fixed". They were the issues that arise when young people grow up and settle into their new lives. Yijin and Heedo were heading in very different directions. This doesn't mean their love died. It doesn't mean their love for one another never existed. It simply means that their love wasn't enough to beat the times that the two of them were entering. If that's not realistic, then I'm not sure what is.
Maybe I am a bit biased because I have always loved bittersweet endings that hit closer to home. However, I think if this drama ended any other way, it would have felt cheap and unrealistic. This ending (though it DID make me cry like a baby) was the ending that made the most sense, showed the most growth for our characters, and most importantly, it stayed true to the theme of the drama and the message it had been aiming to convey throughout its entirety.
I don't know if I could ever rewatch this drama without crying the entire way through, but it's one of my all time favorites, easily. The romantic love, platonic love, familial love, all of it made it such a beautiful story with characters that truly felt like family to me by the end. I highly recommend anyone to watch this drama.
Unless, of course, you aren't a fan of bittersweet endings.
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WORTH IT
2521 was beautiful. The acting was amazing, I was wrapped in it from the very first episode! A drama with so many feels, reminders, and lessons.Following each character's story, watching them grow and evolve was really relatable. We witness each character go from carefree untouchable teens/young adults thriving in their own world to grown responsible adults with real situations in the real world. Each stage in their life molded them and we see it all. We see the hardships, the struggles, the laughs, the disappointments, the happy moments, and their own personal struggles. It's really hard not to get wrapped into each of their different journeys.
A lot of people were disappointed with the ending but I accepted it, it was realistic. Of course, it would have been amazing for the two of them to end up together, but does life really always work that way? A lot of things can change and affect the outcome of how life turns out, and their situation showcased that. It takes a different type of maturity and growth to walk away from something amazing to allow yourself and the other person to become the best person that they can be. Accepting and appreciating everything they taught you and moving on takes a lot of strength in itself.
My only complaint would be that the ending could have definitely been clearer so that we weren't left with unanswered questions.
In the end, every single character grew into the best possible version of themselves, whether it was with or without each other.
Give this kdrama a shot and there will be no regrets!
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Enjoy the time till it lasts.
Twenty-Five Twenty-One is one of those series that has tropes of other romantic K-Dramas, but is more concerned with characters and story revolving around them, rather than meet-cutes and overbearing romance.Twenty-Five Twenty-One is a show About aspirations, conundrums that young people often face as they try and figure out who they are and what they want their life to be; the pressure to have certain ambitions and a life plan mapped out ahead of you.
Kim Tae Ri as Hee-Do was amazing as the main lead, comical yet mature at times, jolly yet serious about her ambition. That makes her a well written character. Although I do think that there should have been more backstory for Baek Yi Jin since he is the male lead and we heard a number of times about his part, but didn't actually encountered even once.
The story was well developed, even with the supporting characters and the constant shift between in the chronology was well maintained. Twenty Five Twenty One is a show that combines many elements such as romance, drama with comedy but above all a coming-of-age story. It's a story of youth that sees life in various colours and makes us believe that certain things may not be forever, but it should be enjoyed until it lasts..
My Rating : 9.5/10
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Wherever you are, I'll make sure my support reaches you - and so much more...
A 2022 Masterpiece!Perfect casting + superb acting + Great script + wonderful OST and if this not enough to convince you
I hope these quotes will...
The times took everything from you. You can't give up oh happiness - Na Heedo
From now on, when you hang out with me, you can be happy without them knowing. - Na Heedo
Every day can’t be a tragedy just because you lose every day. It’s easy to forget after you laugh. You have to forget in order to move on. - Na Heedo
I always think only about what I’ve lost. But you think about what you can gain. I want to try that too. - Beak Yijin
I heard that every tragedy in life is a comedy if you see it from afar. - Baek Yijin
Doing your best is a given. Don’t just do your best. You have to do well. – Coach Yang
Because you give me hope. And I want more for you. - Baek Yijin
I dont think not living your dream means you've failed at life. And I dont think living your dream means you've succeeded either - Baek YiJin
Feeling pressure is also an experience. - Na Heedo
We’re athletes. Not actresses. - - Na Heedo
Life is precious. Let’s love with no regrets while we’re alive.– Baek Yijin
What can feelings do for us? Feelings can’t pay off our debt. – Ko Yurim
In the real world, you make an apology for the sake of everyone’s peace. It’s nothing personal. Society doesn’t care at all about an individual finding peace. - Seo Jung-hyuk
I didn’t crush your dreams. The times did. – Fencing coach
I don’t want to grow numb. I’ll feel their pain every time and empathize with them. That’s the priority for me. – Baek Yijin
It must have taken such hard work to make it there. You must have cried so much in secret and suffered so much pain. – Old man
Let’s suffer together when we’re in pain. It’s 100 times better than being lonely alone. – Na Heedo
How can I remove my family? My family is my everything. – Yurim
You have to learn how to be flexible. You can’t live in this world if you only know how to break. – Seungwan’s mom
The class president will now make her exit.” – Ji Seungwan
Waiting, missing each other, and being disappointed. One person is always sorry and the other always gives up. Are you really okay with a relationship like that? – Heedo’s mom
You and I are the only ones in that huge space. Isn’t it romantic? – Moon Jiwoong
Life is long and fireworks are short. – Back Yijin
I love you. I don’t need a rainbow.” – Back Yijin
I love you in every way.” – Baek Yijin
At times when I didn't believe in myself, I believe in you who believe in me, that made things possible. - Na Heedo
You made me smile. With you I felt like I was on top of the world even when I had nothing. - Baek Yijin
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A word/s that you'll see or hear that will never be the same again - 25, 21, Fencing, Scissors, Rainbow, Telephone Booth, Faucet, Gold Medal, Sunbaenim, President, RED top down car, 5 Chairs, Beach, Bridge, Tunnel,
Minus .5 for the ending.......
^ ^
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This review may contain spoilers
An unforgettable show made by a stellar set of characters
I've just finished watching this show and there's a lot to unpack so bear with me.I think what I love about this show is it's not written with any grand plot or story conflict. It's a show about life. There's no overriding antagonist in this show, no villain. The enemy is simply life, and the circumstance with which you might find yourself in. Bad things happen to our characters because of life's unpredictability and they adapt reluctantly because that's the reality of growing up. This is a show about teenagers stepping into adulthood and facing some harsh choices in life.
I like that the story is set in the nineties because the world was full of excitement and uncertainty as to what the future would look like. Internet had not made communication as frictionless as it is today and so relationships were more face-to-face rather than online. All of that, combined with a very interesting sport to use, made for the perfect settings for this story to grow.
A show can have an amazing plot and fail because the characters are boring. Or you can have a show with a technically mundane plot thrive through its characters. This is what Twenty Five Twenty One does. It creates an amazing story not through the plot but the characters. They are all, each, lovely people with their flaws and quirks that make them worth spending time with. The support cast are fleshed out enough that you don't need to constantly see Na Hee-Do because you enjoy their stories too. These are real, human beings.
And because of that, the strength of the show was during the first act. Her rivalry with Ko Yu-Rim was intense and beautiful - and it worked because we were allowed to empathise with Yu-Rim. She is a working-class girl barely able to afford anything compared to Hee-Do, with the weight of a nation's expectations on her. She watches her family struggle and sacrifice and knows she needs to win. Even though we are introduced to the show through Na Hee-Do and see Yu-Rim as her opponent, we never see her as an enemy because we are allowed to see the real humanity in her, and that ultimately she's a young woman besieged with so many problems.
Their rivalry drove the show, culminating in that match and then events bringing them together. Once they formed a friendship, the show did really well in making their bond plausible. But its retreat into the backdrop was detectable as sometimes the show lacked an overarching conflict driving anything forward. The show instead became about the five of them as a friendship group and it worked in that the episodes remained enjoyable and we were treated to moving scenes, but it didn't carry the punch that Yu-Rim brought when she was more focused on. That's the other thing; fencing as a theme in the sport didn't really matter as much once Hee-Do and Yu-Rim had that epic match. And when they rematched in Madrid, I thought narratively it would have made more sense for Hee-Do to lose finally to her friend. When it came to fencing, Hee-Do's character was a little too polished. It would have been more interesting seeing her lose yet happy for her friend who had suffered so, so much.
I will also say, episode 14 centring on Yu-Rim was possibly the show's best episode, it was marvellous.
Na Hee-Do was a tremendous character. I loved her energy, resilience, humour and ferocity. She was the highlight of the show, of course she was right? Everything about this character was so good and what I really liked was the show addressed her naivety as simply her still being young. Sometimes when characters do silly things we berate them for it. But with Hee-Do, there is an acknowledgement it's because she's still young and is growing up. I found her relationship with her mother to be a really beautifully crafted one. Again, the show knew how to handle characters and relationships.
Back Yi-Jin was an interesting character. He promised to never be happy yet even when freed from that oath and he had gotten the dream he wanted and the girl he wanted, he was never truly at peace. The nature of his job wore him down and there was a really sincere and realistic portrayal of the slow withering of his spirited nature, until he became quietly depressed and beyond being consoled. We knew his relationship with Hee-Do was never going to last but it still hurt once you could see the writing on the wall, and more so that he wasn't even trying to save the relationship, perhaps aware it was finished.
Regarding the final episode, I've seen a lot of people with mixed opinions. I did enjoy it and thought it was well done but I think that final scene of Hee-Do reading his message in her diary and emotionally reconciling with how they broke up in the tunnel would have been better had they not cried in each other's arms at the bus stop. It would have made their meeting on TV and the final scene far more emotionally satisfying because it would have been the first and final closure they had ever gotten from how they had broken up with each other. That was where the show sort of fumbled its landing but I did still enjoy it. No tears though. Again, maybe that's because I think the emotional punch was sort of tamed by Hee-Do and Yi-Jin finding each other at the bus stop before he left for New York.
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WHAT WAS THIS ENDING
I honestly have never loved a show more than this one……..up till episode 14. The writing rushed the ending so much that there wasn’t any closure. There were also a lot of plot points that just simply were disregarded or unanswered. I didn’t understand why they built up so much only for nothing to amount to anything. There really was no point showing the older version of the characters or even showing the ballet blot or Na Hee-do’s daughter. Overall, I loved the characters so much and I’m so disappointed with the ending. If anyone’s watched Game of Thrones, the ending was honestly giving me the same disappointment that the last season of Game of Thrones gave. That bad.The reason I’m giving it an 8 was because of episodes 1-13. The characters, the story, the relationships not just between the main leads but among the 5 friends, the coach, and parents was beautiful. It was written and carried out perfectly. I really had high hopes for the show with these episodes. Honestly, the ending deserved better.
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SAD ENDING -- IF YOU DON'T WANNA CRY, THEN DON'T WATCH IT.
Everything of this drma was perfect until the last episode.The director made the mistake (according to me) by showing a super duper SAD ENDING.
Story- 7/ 10 (it's a new kind of story and not just a cliché)
Rewatch value: 2/10 (bcz of ending)
Recommendation: 3.5/10 (only if you are a sadistic person, then watch it otherwise it's a BIG NOOO)
You will start the drama, you will laugh, you will love the characters, you will love their chemistry and then-- BOOOOOOOOOOM!!
Main leads are not together at the end!
Like seriously??!!!
The rating is currently dropping because of the Ending.
This drama could be a masterpiece but it lost it's chance.
I don't mind Sad endings but some directors think that sad ending is the only way to create a drama masterpiece which is totally rubbish!!
It was my favourite drama until the last episode and after watching the last episode, it's a terrible experience.
I am questioning myself that why did I decide to watch the drama??!!....
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Worst ending - disappointed
I rated this drama LOW and not because it was the worst drama I have watched but because the ending deserved a low rating. So close to being a masterpiece, but the last 2 episodes ruined the whole drama. Personally, I don't think I can rate higher this drama since it is unfinished, and will never be completed. Even tho the drama has an amazing cast and episodes, it concluded with NOTHING. The whole plot became NOTHING. It doesn't make sense the drama at the end, and wasting time watching it to have no conclusion is just rubbish. I don't even want to say more. I'm sorry to the actors and everyone who gave their all.Was this review helpful to you?
Pure and Vibrant then...Painful
This drama is a hidden gem. It has the potential to be the best drama of 2022. Every scene is well executed and the story of each character is well woven into each other. I love the relationship between the ML and FL, something that blossoms from friendship and mutual understanding. They meet and communicate very naturally and every moment they get to spend together seems so innocent yet so sweet. I'm sure we are all reminded of our youth, our high school times when we watch this drama. I am hoping for double digits!Edit: I cry a river in the last episode. And promise myself to never watch drama from Writer Kwon Do-Eun again. Both this drama and SearchWWW hurt me so badly. She likes to portrait the reality of life, which I don't want to see in a drama. If I could sum up 2521 in one phrase, it would be a proverb from my country which is "Head of an elephant and tail of a mouse", meaning it started so spectacularly and suddenly ended so spitefully. I feel bad for Kim Tae Ri and Nam Joo Hyuk, their acting was phenomenal but still couldn't calm the anger from the audience. It's all the writer's problem.
Rewatch? No, I won't. Just like how you desperate try to forget your first love so you can move on, this drama will make your heart pounding so much for the beautiful memories only for you to cry your heart out at the ends. It's too much of a roller coaster for me.
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1I think it’s important to know the title of the drama is more of a destination and not an indication about what the plot will be. Most of it is set when Hee Do is a teenager - last year of high school and the beginning of her 20s. We join her on the journey, as she tries to follow her goals and dreams, builds friendships, experiences sweet victories and bitter loses. She is both mature and innocent with her approach to problems and how she interacts with people. Truly a wonderful female lead that could inspire a lot of younger and older audiences.
Baek Yi Jin perfectly represents the time of our life when we are not quite kids anymore, but we still have a long way to becoming adults. New responsibilities are piling up, and you are slowly learning how to handle them. He was also one of the best male leads in the history of Korean dramas - understanding, supportive, pointing out the mistakes in a mature way, which helped Hee Do grow as a person. Was his selflessness too much? I think it served as a quite well structured flaw that led to many interesting internal and external conflicts he was facing.
He was not perfect, taking steps back when he was overwhelmed by the given situation or unsure of the future results. On the other hand completely immersing himself after he makes a decision to take action - these realistic flaws made him an even greater character.
I think it’s also important to mention how great of a job the writer did with Go Yu Rim’s character. She was quite flawed, self-centered at times, extremely insecure - all that led to many unfortunate moments, making her behave in an awful way. Yet, by the end of the show, the majority of the audience adored her, felt sympathy and wished her happiness.
Not only the main characters, but also the supporting cast did a wonderful job. That said, I find it slightly disappointing how little we got to know both Moon Ji Woong and Ji Seung Wan. I think both of them could present an interesting and unique perspective, but they were not really given the chance to do that. Yes, Seung Wan had a few truly moving and inviting further reflection scenes, but overall, she was mostly pushed to the side lines.
The character that I could not fully understand and root for till the end was Hee Do’s mom, Shin Jae Kyung. I found her striving to be a good journalist and presenter rather one-dimensional and boring. Her reasoning often made little sense and her overall stand on the issue seemed a bit artificial - only existing to create some drama between her and her daughter.
Most of the performances were solid, some truly amazing. I’m surprised how well Kim Tae Ri delivered the role of Na Hee Do. It’s honestly not easy to give a believable performance of a teenage girl by a woman in her 30’. She aced the role and no other actress could do as well as she did.
I’m not the biggest fan of Nam Joo Hyuk, granted it had more to do with the roles he took than his performance. That said, he was born to play the role of Baek Yi Jin. He did great with the duality of the character - mature and protective, but at the same time scared and struggling.
Go Yu Rim’s character and her arc was not an easy task, but Bona did the character justice. Probably one of the characters that evokes the most emotions in all the viewers - be it positive or negative.
The only performance that did not convince me at all was Kim So Hyun as an adult Hee Do. Watching her on screen, she had that theater actress characteristics, so I was not exactly surprised when I found out she is in fact a musical theater actress. Theater and dramas demand a completely different approach, and I am not sure she was able to successfully switch from one to the other. Things needed on stage will work against you in front of the camera.
What a beautiful show it was. My screenshots folder is full of amazing pictures. The pacing was perfect - slow enough for me to have time to appreciate the scenes and dialogues, but fast enough to always keep me entertained. Loved the shots that focused on the details, objects, often hands - they at times served as the guidance of what is the center of the scene and where our focus should be.
The arrangement for the song truly perfectly fits the 90’ and early 00’ sentiment. Being perfectly honest, I am not the biggest fan of the music style from these times, but the show could not have a better list of songs. Wonstein’ Your Existence is probably my favorite song from the drama.
Overall, this is far more than just a romantic comedy. I would say the romance, even though presented throughout the show, is not the focus point. It’s a heartwarming story of finding yourself, fighting for your dreams and convictions, creating meaningful relationships and beautiful memories while slowly facing the reality of adulthood.
If it just concluded on the ending of episode 15. I actually think the last scene from that episode would be the superior and more fitting ending. Where is a white truck of doom when you need it? I’d take one dose of amnesia - please let me forget I’ve seen that last episode. Still, the journey was worth it.
If I had to leave with one last complaint - the whole present times storyline was useless and the drama could do without it.
My explanation for the ending and how for me it makes sense in the comment under the review (hidden for spoilers).
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Amazing K-drama BUT THE ENDING WASN'T IT!!!
JUST FINISHED 2521!!!! And WOW! What was that ending?!! Like seriously?? Like I'm not mad about Heedo and BYJ not being together cause I sort of realized it from the very beginning especially cause of the title itself. But seriously they could have done a better ending of them not being together rather than showing Heedo being married but her husband not being shown and BYJ just climbing his way up. Them not seeing each other at the same time as the others and having potentially lingering feelings left for each other from the last interview was just not it. Like she is a married person and he has his own life. Showing that just makes it seem like she just married someone for the sake of not burdening BYJ and makes BYJ look like he will be single forever! Like I just didn't like IT. ANYWAYS GAVE IT 9/10. Could have been a 10/10 but the ending ruined it. Anyways have a watch it is a really good drama. And let me know your opinion if you already watched it.Was this review helpful to you?
THIS DRAMA WILL HEAL YOU
New comfort unlocked. This drama comforted me for weeks regardless of the ending just watch it, for me it’s the comfort and healing throughout the journey >>then the ending. You won’t regret this one i promise. I mean if you want to heal watch this drama, if you want to smile for no reason watch this drama, if you want to feel butterflies watch this drama, if you want to feel love watch this drama.It is my first time ever writing a review i just couldn’t stop myself from writing one, every time i watch a episode it make me feel a lot of emotions at a time.
This drama will make you laugh, cry, heal, want to love, experience friendship all at a time. Heads off to the writer, actors, offcourse the songs and the dialogues which i listen on repeat.
This drama can change something inside you. One can feel like I’m exaggerating but, the ones who are watching this drama can feel what I’m sayin, so please just go and watch this drama without a second thought.
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