Title: Twenty-Five Twenty-One
Episodes: 16
Genre: Youth, Slice of Life, Sports, School, Comedy, Drama, Romance, Friendship, Family
Story: 7 out of 10
Characters: 8 out of 10
Cinematography: 8 out of 10
Korean Drama Twenty-Five Twenty-One is a nostalgic drama with a strong female lead
Story
During the Korean Financial Crisis, high schooler and fencer Hee Do tries to hold on to her dream of entering the national team and competing against her idol, gold medalist Yu Rim. At the time, she meets Yi Jin, a young man stricken by the financial turbulence, losing everything and most importantly his family and dignity, and fighting to make the transition from riches to nothing.
Korean Drama Twenty-Five Twenty-One is a retro drama with lots of nostalgic vibes.
The story is pretty sweet, entertaining and with a focus on youth, friendship, achieving your dreams, and, of course, sports.
The latter was nicely handled, with intense fighting scenes and brilliant training sequences that weren’t boring or too extended.
However, the drama didn’t handle the shift in time. The passing of years was made awkwardly, though it wasn’t confusing, but it was too much in the final episode. Those episodes in the ending were actually boring and too heavily loaded.
Still, the romance was pretty sweet, though it wasn’t the main focus of the drama. Rather, the friendship between the characters was the main relationship and the most intense part of the show. Yet, the love story had nice progress, a bittersweet ending, and a few romantic moments.
Characters
Hee Do is a dynamic, optimistic young girl who loves fencing and is working hard to make her dreams come true despite everyone being against her.
Kim Tae Ri was amazing as Hee Do, funny, strong, and delightful.
Watch Kim Tae Ri in her other drama K Drama Mr. Sunshine
Yi Jin is a young man who used to be rich but his family lost everything and he was forced to give up his dream and start his life all over again.
Nam Joo Hyuk was very emotional.
Watch Nam Joo Hyuk in his other works KDrama Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bog Joo, KDrama Cheese in the Trap, KDrama Start Up, KDrama The School Nurse’s Files, and KDrama «Scarlet Heart»
Yu Rim is a gold medalist who is everyone’s favorite. She is feeling the pressure of everyone’s expectations and her family’s financial situation.
Bona handled her character pretty great.
Ji Woong is the class’s heartthrob. He likes Yu Rim and wants to win her heart and support her.
Choi Hyun Wook was funny and sweet.
Watch Choi Hyun Wook in KDrama Jirisan and KDrama Pop Out Boy!
Seung Wan is Ji Woong’s best friend and the school’s number one. She is very strict but finds few things that make her happy.
Lee Joo Myung gave a smooth performance.
Watch Lee Joo Myung in her other dramas KDrama Hospital Playlist, KDrama My Fellow Citizens, and KDrama Check Out The Event
Jae Kyung is Hee Do’s mother. She is a career woman who has sacrificed her time with her family in order to become an anchorwoman. She seems indifferent towards Hee Do, but she tries hard to balance everything.
Seo Jae Hee gave a strong and enjoyable performance.
Watch Seo Jae Hee in her other works Artificial City, KDrama Run On, KDrama Nevertheless, and KDrama One Ordinary Day
Cinematography
The drama had a nice retro style, without overdoing it with the 90s references. The sports scenes were also on point, but the pace was messy in the last episodes.
Overall
My overall rating for the Korean Drama Twenty-Five Twenty-One is 7 out of 10. The main character was amazing, but the last episodes were not nicely handled.
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K&J Reviews 
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