SaysieVerse
Twenty Five Twenty One
Netflix
Romantic drama series
2022
16 episodes
Image source: Netflix / Twenty Five Twenty One © Netflix
"From now on, when you're with me, you can be happy without them knowing."
—Na Hee-do to Baek Yi-jin
Contents summary:
Twenty Five Twenty One follows the story of Na Hee-do, a passionate fencer, and Baek Yi-jin, a young man struggling with the aftermath of the 1990s financial crisis. The two meet in their teens, when their lives become intertwined by external circumstances and personal challenges. While Hee-do pursues her dream of becoming a fencer, Yi-jin helps her cope with life's difficulties. The series depicts their development from adolescents to adults, their dreams, friendships, losses, and the bittersweet love they share.
My review:
9/10
Simply a "feel-good" K-drama, the kind I love (despite the ending, which I really imagined or would have preferred to be different).
1. Plot: Offers a captivating and emotionally profound story that follows the coming-of-age of a young couple against the backdrop of the South Korean economic crisis of the 1990s. The mix of romance, friendship, and personal growth is well executed and creates a strong bond with the characters. The narrative is bittersweet, with a good balance between personal and social challenges. The plot is relatable and emotionally gripping, with the series skillfully integrating the time and external circumstances into the character development.
The only downside is the bittersweet ending, which might be disappointing for some viewers.
2. Character Development: The characters undergo authentic and touching transformations that significantly enhance the emotional impact of the series.
3. Emotional Impact: Twenty Five Twenty One has a strong emotional impact through its profound narrative and realistic portrayal of the challenges of growing up. The characters' moments of joy and success are compassionate, while their setbacks and losses are intensely felt. The bittersweet romance between Hee-do and Yi-jin, shaped by time and external circumstances, evokes both heartbreak and hope. The series encourages a look at life from different perspectives, especially when dealing with loss and discovering one's own path.
4. Production and Cinematography: The series is superbly produced, with authentic sets that perfectly capture the 1990s. The depiction of the era, from fashion to technology, is detailed and creates a nostalgic feeling.
5. Social Criticism: Twenty Five Twenty One addresses the impact of the financial crisis of the 1990s on people's lives, especially on young adults pursuing their dreams. It shows how economic upheaval not only causes financial problems but also has profound effects on personal lives and relationships. It also explores the position of women in society, particularly in sports, with Hee-do serving as an example of the struggle against male dominance and societal expectations. The series also reflects on the difficulties associated with growing up and the disappointments that life sometimes brings.