Exploring the Complexities of Chewing Gum Series

The Series "Chewing Gum": A Harsh Pill for Naivety

The teen series "Chewing Gum" incites a whirlwind of debates among viewers. Some perceive it as an earnest attempt to shed light on the harsh realities faced by today’s youth, while others regard it as a tedious, muddled drama where neither the characters nor their actions evoke any semblance of sympathy. Regardless of opinions, there's no denying that this project leaves no one indifferent.

Characters That Stir Mixed Emotions

At the heart of the tale lies Galya Shalamova—a naive girl ensnared in a whirlwind of events spurred on by her surroundings.

• Sympathy and Empathy: A segment of the audience finds themselves genuinely concerned for Galya. For instance, Vladimir expresses, "Poor Galya, I feel sorry for her." Many viewers see her as a representation of fragility in the face of a cruel world.
• Critique and Annoyance: Conversely, another faction disapproves of the heroine's actions. Maria notes, "This Galya, to put it mildly, is not very smart. I would even say she's foolish and irritating."

Such contrasting viewpoints may well be the intention behind the creators’ design: Galya isn’t meant to be perfect; her weaknesses and missteps render her a believable character.

Twists and Turns in a Harsh Atmosphere

"Chewing Gum" is woven around intense topics: bullying, abuse, toxic relationships, and stalking. The relationship dynamics between Galya and Roma intensify with each episode, while a fabricated blogger's death becomes the central mystery.

The Brutal World of Teenagers

Special attention is given to Galya's circle. Roma and his friends are affluent teens devoid of moral compasses. Their "games" with Galya illustrate cruelty that appears, as Arina observes, "logical," especially given that the adults in the series aren’t much wiser either.

Space for Criticism

The storyline is rife with moments that beg for scrutiny:

• Musical Accompaniment: Boris criticizes the soundtrack, quipping, "The music is ear-piercing; I have to fast forward."
• Characters' Behavior: Many find it irksome how easily Galya succumbs to manipulation. Pasha sarcastically remarks, "The nickname of the protagonist fits her perfectly."

Cast and Direction

Fresh Faces

Viewers remark on the series' cast showcasing a sense of "freshness"—these young actors have yet to become ubiquitous on-screen. This offers the series a distinctive edge: the characters feel like real individuals rather than mere extensions of famous stars.

Direction and Atmosphere

Directed by Alexander Tsui, known for “Difficult Adolescents,” "Chewing Gum" continues to explore adolescent rebellion and brutality, crafting a dark and tense ambiance. However, there are notes from viewers that "Chewing Gum" doesn’t showcase any strikingly innovative solutions: much of this narrative terrain has been traversed in previous teen dramas.

Why You Might or Might Not Watch "Chewing Gum"

Pros

• Realism: The series lays bare the challenges contemporary teens face, avoiding sugarcoating.
• Dynamic Plot: Intrigues and unexpected twists keep audiences engaged.
• Harsh Morality: "Chewing Gum" can serve as a cautionary tale about the ramifications of reckless choices.

Cons

• Clichés and Tropes: Numerous scenes appear to recycle elements seen in prior productions.
• Lack of Depth: As Arina observes, the issues are presented, yet not thoroughly explored.
• Irritating Characters: Most of the characters do not inspire sympathy, complicating emotional investment in the story.

The series "Chewing Gum" may spark controversy, yet it undeniably fuels discussion. Tackling relevant issues, it invites viewers into a grim realm of teenage brutality. However, the chaotic script and illogical character actions can leave a lingering, mixed impression.

For those prepared for rough and uneven tales, "Chewing Gum" might strike a chord. For others, however, it might just serve as a "pill for naivety" that not everyone is willing to swallow.