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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.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
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When the promos and posters of 'Twenty Five, Twenty One' came out I assumed it was a noona romance. I was so surprised on knowing the actual premise and age of characters that were in the drama. Like most people I started this drama with very high expectations. Kim Tae Ri is one of the most gifted actresses of Korea and with the praise she got in her last drama I thought this would be worth a watch as well.I think this was overall one of the better dramas that came out in recent times. However, I kept having issues with certain characters and sub-plots. While there were wholesome moments I kept feeling like something was missing. By the end the drama delivered on a lot of ends but the ending fell awfully short of making this drama into a near masterpiece that it could have been.
PLOT:
I'd compare this drama to Reply series but without the love triangle. However what they still have in common is the nostalgia of the 90s, friendship, parent-child relationships and memories of first love. This drama carries all the essence that one might expect from a drama set in the somewhat older times. There is innocence, youth, dreams and experiences that all people might have gone through one or other point in their lives.
CHARACTERS & ROMANCE:
I really admired Na Hee Do and Baek Yi Jin for the people they were. They both went different kind of struggles, had breakdowns but never gave up in the face of difficulty. I couldn't really see any chemistry between the actors and the age gap was a slight cringe, but their interactions had a lot of heart in them. I really enjoyed all supporting characters in this and only had a definitive love-hate relationship was with Ko Yu Rim and Achorwoman Na (who I cared less for). Yu Rim was pointlessly rude at times but we as viewers know that she isn't the villain here. People respond to bad situations in life in different ways and Yu Rim had hers. However I really like the group and their friendship stayed strong till the end.
OST:
I like the songs sung by NCT's Taeil and Twice's Jihyo. Other tracks were either fine or forgettable.
MAIN PROBLEM OF THE DRAMA: The villain i.e. timing
One thing I really loved about the drama was the realistic portrayal of how everything in life is about timing. That's the true villain in this drama along with the circumstances that come with it. After all, isn't that what life is all about? It becomes a little hard to accept an ending where the leads do not end up together, but I know plenty of people who didn't try hard enough with their past or failed relationships. Sometimes people are right for each other but they either give up or move on. That's what this drama portrayed and UNPOPULAR OPINION alert- I feel like there were clues all along.
I admit it did seem like the drama was setting us all up for a sad ending but some dramas do the reverse towards the end. This might be the first time where everything was clear and there were clues all along but the viewers kept theorizing about the possibility of the leads ending up together. For starters, the title of the drama is a dead giveaway.
ENDING:
For me the true shock related to this drama was that the writer was gutsy enough to do her own thing. I am sure she will receive loads of backlash but I'm always in for creative surprises. My real issue with the drama was us not getting to know how Na Hee Do and Baek Yi Jin lived after their separation. We have no clue about Na Hee Do's marital status and how Baek Yi Jin looks like now. I felt cheated with the lack of details. I wish they hadn't included the present time at all. It could have been a story set between 1998-2009 and us never having to meet their present selves at all. I think the ending is what ultimately takes away a major point for my overall review.
OVERALL:
I'll still recommend this drama due to the stellar acting from the cast, the slice of life elements and the very nostalgic aura it gave me as a viewer. Just be prepared for a bittersweet ending (because heck Kim Min Chae is cute). :)
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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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If the journey is so good the destination don't matter
A perfect reality dramas after ages .kdramas are always know for its healing nature but Trust me TFTO made it to another level..Let's talk about the story slow claps for the director and the writer for such a beautiful story,best cinematography,soulful music and the perfect cast made this drama as one of the best drama of this year
The chemistry between the whole cast is at another level for me personally i love both the leads as friends more than lovers but yes at some point they made me realise that their love is so beautiful yet so calm
Yurim and heedo's friendship was the light to the drama at first i didn't like yurim but now she is one of my favourite character she has the most suitable character growth ofcourse her love story with jiwoong was cherry on the top and the 2 bestfriends literally made us believe that a girl and a boy can be a best friend
The music was on point.
And i would definitely re-watch it to all those people who don't like romantic dramas should watch this to experience the warmth of this drama
I decided to write the review before the ending so that the ending don't make any changes to my love for this drama 💜
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A refreshing coming-of-age drama
I'm only on episode 9/16 as I'm writing this review. Originally, I was going to wait until all the episodes were released until I started watching this drama. But I kept seeing so many clips that I just had to start. The beginning started off a little slow and now I've just spent the whole day binging the show. This is such a good, refreshing, and touching drama. I love the way its shot and I love how we, as an audience, is reflected as Min-Chae. For example, when Hee-do said she had a boyfriend, I was like WHAT and it immediately cut to Min-Chae with a similar reaction. There has been so many moments of this drama already where I felt so touched and moved to tears. I love watching the characters embark on their journeys, learning painful lessons and growing from them. It's exactly as Yijin said, they're going through their growing pains. I can't wait to see how the rest of this drama unfolds and I really hope there's a very happy, very cute ending waiting for us at the end of this journey.EDIT: Coming back after finishing the rest of the drama
I knew it was coming, and I knew it wasn't going to be a happy ending but I really had high hopes for a happy ending anyways. Honestly, I'm not too mad about this ending but I definitely don't think this ending was done as well as the rest of the drama was. I understand that the writer wanted to portray a realistic ending, but I didn't think the reason for the breakup for that justified. I definitely think that it was a bit out of character for Na Hee Do and Back Yi Jin to basically give up on their relationship. The break up itself was beautifully done and really captured the pain of a break up, but I just wish the reasoning behind the break up made more sense. In addition, i didn't even know Na Hee Do's husband is someone working overseas, so it seems even more ridiculous that Na Hee Do would break up with Back Yi Jin because she didn't want to always be waiting for someone and be in misery.
I didn't think too much about the present-day Na Hee Do and Kim Min Chae, but after reading other reviews, I agree. The present-day characters basically served no purpose to the show and only teased the viewers. I was also annoyed because they included that scene where present-day Na Hee Do forgot about the their first beach trip, but the scene made it seem like something happened to her to make her forget, instead of her just forgetting because it's been so long. I feel like it makes more sense that once it was brought up, she would fondly but faintly remember her friends and the memories that they once shared.
But overall, the drama was still emotional, impactful, and really captured the exciting but turbulent time of youth. I don't regret watching this drama but I really wasn't expecting the emotional damage this drama has given me.
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Definitely Worth Watching!
That was a great drama but I do wish the ending was different? Or that they showed a little more? But despite that this drama kept me engaged all the way and I cried and laughed watching it. A 10/10 for me. I enjoyed all the posts. I enjoyed the story and I liked how they portrayed various hardships in people's lives. Like they showed how students struggled and how adults struggled. I enjoyed watching the character development and maturity. Definitely happy I watched this, it's been my fave drama this past month.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
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This story is Atypical
I love unique stories and this one embodied that. Yes, everyone hated the ending, but to me I was satisfied. Probably because I was so impressed with the intelligent story telling, directing, cinematography and of course strong acting leading up to episode 16. The journey that this screenwriter takes you with their careers and their awkward yet beautiful relationship was truly beautiful. I don't think I've seen writing like that and the way the director and the actors carried out that story is what keep me so engaged with this drama. It was so unique and lovely. Relationships are about the journey and yes about the end game too, but think if it were a happy ending, you'd probably say that was good and move on to your next drama. But nope, you're still here, you're still thinking about it and maybe yes you're upset- but the writer made you think and that's what they want. That's their happy end game. This one will be in my 10 ten of all time.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
The most perfect drama !!!
Watching Twenty-five Twenty-one was a different experience altogether. Somehow in the past weekends I started feeling that 2521 wasn't some drama I was watching but a reality. I've cried along with Heedo, laughed together with Heedo. felt Baek Yijin's despair and felt him get back together. Most importantly I've felt Heedo's and Yijin's love and even if they don't end up together I know what they felt for each other. For me 2521 has been the kind of drama i would wait all week to drop and then purposely delay watching it so I don't start missing it too early. In my opinion everything about this drama was perfect from the cast to storyline to the music. I can't express how sad I am that this drama is going to finish tonight knowing that it will take a long tome to find something like this. In my opinion 2521 is the drama of the decade and none of the previous dramas hold any candle to it.Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
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what a great show
i genuinely think everything was executed really well for 2521. im not a fan of sports drama but i find myself anticipating for heedo's competitions and journey as a fencer. i would say its one of the best youth kdramas out there , i didn't find myself bored of the show at all! i didn't really care about present heedo if im being honest but its whatever ! wish i could see present baek yijin though overall satisfied with the drama and would recommend to everyone .Vond je deze recentie nuttig?
I've thought long and hard before I decided to write a review just because I think I won't be able to sleep if I don't write one. Now, where do I even start? As someone who has been watching dramas for nearly a decade, this drama is the only one that was able to keep me in the dark because of its unpredictability until the last minute of the last episode.
It is a story of love - love for oneself, significant other, family, friends, and dreams. It revolves around the times and how this affects the characters from the beginning until the very end. It is about growing up, reaching your dreams, standing again after every setback, and making decisions that may affect your life and every person in it including yourself. Most importantly, it is about treasuring and making the most out of every moment, every minute of our every day because what we only have is the present.
Na Heedo is our female protagonist and we see this drama from her POV. A very straightforward, strong-willed, and reckless protaganist at that. She does everything and anything to succeed and pursue her fencing career even if the times broke her dream first. Baek Yijin, our male protaginist who was a chaebol but because of the times, found himself doing as many part-time jobs as he can to make it up for his living. Ko Yurim, our gold medalist who won at such a young age, seems like she has everything except for well-off family. Moon Jiwoong, the bright and legendary pretty boy from Class 7, who has a long-time crush on Yurim and Ji Seungwan, our brave and empathetic class president and also Jiwoong's diaper buddy. All the main characters showed various characteristics and personalities and they made this drama more worthwhile.
One of the things I liked about this drama is that they did not just focus on the romance part. The fencing theme also had its spotlight and this made the drama more interesting because we see athletes and their everyday life in a clearer and more different way. I liked Heedo's enthusiasm and sincerity in reaching her dream. It is very inspiring and we see that fencing also shaped her not just as an athlete but as a person. Heedo came from a well-off family with her mom being a famous anchor but this doesn't mean that her fencing journey was easy. In contrast, Yurim, although already making her mark in the fencing world, is still not having it easy just like Heedo but with a completely opposite reason. She has a supportive family but not that well-off. I love that they gave us two contrasting athletes because we empathize and relate with them. We realize that every person really has their own struggles and we should not belittle them ever. Also, we see how sports or even competitions can start and form a friendship, a bond that is stronger than anything else. Heedo and Yurim's friendship became deeper and deeper until we can say that they are the only ones who can understand each other's struggles.
Now, with the romance part. Sigh.. what can I even say? Heedo and Yijin's relationship is just the purest one I've ever seen. I love that in one of the episodes, they said it themselves that their relationship cannot be described in one word and I also believe in that because their relationship came to the point where it is beyond everything and no words can be worthy of their relationship. I love how they started off as friends - not the normal friendship because I really don't know but what they had was really special right off the bat. The way they were there in every ups and downs to cheer for each other, to comfort with jokes and words, to be each other's strength and happiness, and to support each other no matter the distance, no matter the circumstance. They are each other's support system and we see that until the very end.
I tell you, this drama is not flawless. Nothing is. But I give this 10/10 simply because I vividly remember and I guess I won't ever forget the feelings and emotions that this made me feel from the moment I clicked the play button of episode 1 down to that last second of episode 16. It was a hell of a rollercoaster ride but t'was a beautiful journey indeed. We have come this far. They have come so far and I am so happy to be able to witness each character's growth and journey.
If you are still wondering whether to watch this drama or not because of what you see in the comments or social media, please waver no more! You are up to a wonderful jouney <3
Taeyang Squad, it was an honor meeting you. Until next time...
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As far as I think, stories cannot be measured by endings. They exist to give us much more. That is the beauty of 2521.
And if that doesn't convince you, Kim Taeri and Nam Joo Hyuk are perfect.
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the beauty of youth
this was more than just an ending, this was the journey of youth, friendship and loveidk if I should start with how beautiful yejin was, or if I should say this was not twenty five twenty one, though there is an explanation why the title is that way, this was a youth drama, hints of the future, and a bit of the 20s romance. it's not a spoiler to say they were 18 and 22 for the 1st halfish, then 19 and 23 till the 3.5/4s and that's why the bits of the 2521 was really rushed and brashed over
so divided in sections 18 and 22, was about a girl doing everything only for her dream and a boy who couldn't do anything for his dream. and in ways they became each others push
they met again as 19 and 23, they got closer, they were selfless, they were full of laughter, new emotions and beautiful adventures
they "officially" got together as 20 and 24 so this was not an awkward adult/highschooler romance. love isn't shallow, it's more than just dating and skinship, it was companionship, understanding and support
then came the 21 and 25, and being a long term fan of disappointment I can say I have every intention to erase and not accept their interpretation and attempts to just say "1st loves don't last"
ESPECIALLY since yerim and 2ml ended up together.. THE BETRAYAL. they were shallow, they were puppy love and they had non of the depth of heedo and yejin so I DO NOT ACCEPT how they could get married and be happy and the actual 2 people who supported and communicated so much could end it for silly matters
and I shall call them silly matters because, A- they kept pushing them in a corner with "reporter will hurt his subject if they were in a relationship". but that was used for yerim and it became a punch in the face of heedo and yejin's relationship. which is weak writing
and B- he leaves the country, gets sucked into a wormhole of sadness and disrepair, he keeps apologizing for not being there and heedo keeps feeling the burden of his apologies.. and they throw in another punch "my mom was never there, it's not a relationship I want" as if it can't be solved.
why did she have to get married so fast, what's wrong with long distance, what's wrong with putting it on hold and reconnecting, again the writers were just set on the "not ending up together" that every move they made was a deliberate weak attempt rushing them there
and a bit of C- and that final move. they met before he left and they did talk it a bit and ended it well, so there was no hard feelings and definitely no resentment, they couldn't even stay as friends and for what? they had 1 bad fight, then throw in her dairy being kept in a store for 20 years COME ON.. tho again the things said there were the "best case scenario" breakup, it wasn't as if they could never talk to each other again, their bond didn't just disappear..
I'm not sad they weren't happily ever after, though honestly they were the best representation of a realistic couple I've seen. no destiny, no childhood connection, no random "WE MUST BE TOGETHER". they were each others rock, cheerleader, best friend and love. HOW CAN THAT NOT WORK,
the 2ml goes and says "no you can't throw me away I won't let you" and survived his gf moving to another country, being labeled as a traitor, and having no future path beside luckily becoming an influencer, and yerim coming back like the heartache her arc caused only effected yejin, and she was able to get back in and even stay in heedo's life when they went through another rough patch
but heedo and yejin couldn't... honestly were they that shallow.. was it an "experiment" and convenient.. what is love TT_TT
also, they were friends near their 30s, and they never mentioned them in their 40s.. shouldn't yerim and 2ml's kid be friends with heedo's kid.. wouldn't 3fl end up together with yejin's brother and also have kids
was yejin just a chaperone to them, was their friendship that shallow.. 2ml, 3fl, and even yerim who knew yejin since childhood never crossed paths together again? please this was such bad writing after 20s that this should've just been till then with an open ending of "will it work out" instead of forcefully trying to ruin it and think they were being melo, noir and clever "I'm looking at you veronica mars s4"
and yes, I am angry and I'll go back and remind myself, future heedo never happened. the ending scene was 2001s new year with the plan of their 600s anniversary as an open ending of "happily ever after"
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