Exploring the Controversial Themes of 'Chewing Gum' Series

The teenage drama series "Chewing Gum" continues to stir up debate among its viewers. On one hand, some perceive it as a candid portrayal of the harsh realities faced by today’s youth, while on the flip side, others find it lacking, characterizing it as a tedious and disjointed drama where neither the characters nor their actions garner any affection. Opinions about this series diverge widely, yet it’s certain that this project leaves no one indifferent.

Characters That Spark Mixed Feelings

At the heart of the series is Galia Shalamova — a naive girl who becomes ensnared in a chain of events instigated by those around her.

• Sympathy and Empathy: Some viewers genuinely feel for the protagonist. For instance, Vladimir lamented, "Poor Galia, I really feel for her." For many, she symbolizes the vulnerability in the face of a cruel world.
• Criticism and Frustration: Conversely, a segment of the audience criticizes her actions, with Maria remarking, "Galia is, to put it mildly, not very bright. I would even go so far as to say she's frustratingly clueless."

This conflicting perception might be precisely what the creators intended; Galia is not meant to be a flawless character; rather, her flaws and missteps render her relatable and human.

Twists of the Plot and an Atmosphere of Brutality

"Chewing Gum" is built upon sharp themes like bullying, abuse, toxic relationships, and stalking. The intensity between Galia and Roma escalates with each episode, and the orchestrated death of a popular influencer serves as the series' central mystery.

A Harsh World of Adolescence

Significantly, the backdrop surrounding Galia bears mentioning. Roma and his friends are affluent teens lacking moral direction. Their "games" with Galia highlight a cruelty that, as Arina points out, seems "logical," especially given that the adults in the series are equally void of wisdom.

Space for Critiques

The narrative is rife with moments that raise eyebrows:

• Musical Score: Boris expresses his discontent with the soundtrack, stating, "The music is ear-piercing; I find myself fast-forwarding through it."
• Character Actions: Many find it irritating how easily Galia falls prey to manipulations. Pasha sarcastically comments, "The nickname of the main character fits her perfectly."

Cast and Directing

Actors: Fresh Faces

Viewers note that the casting features a refreshing group of young actors who have yet to become overexposed on screens. This gives the series a distinct advantage: the characters feel like real people instead of mere facades attached to well-known entertainers.

Direction and Tone

Directed by Alexander Tsui, known for his work on "Difficult Teens," "Chewing Gum" continues to delve into themes of adolescent rebellion and cruelty, crafting a darkly charged atmosphere. However, audiences have pointed out that there’s a glaring absence of innovative ideas in "Chewing Gum": these themes have been explored in various other youth-focused dramas.

Reasons to Watch (or Not Watch) "Chewing Gum"

Pros

• Realism: The series authentically presents the struggles faced by contemporary adolescents without sugarcoating reality.
• Dynamic Storyline: Intricate twists and unexpected turns keep audiences engaged.
• Harsh Lessons: "Chewing Gum" may serve as a stark "warning" about the consequences of thoughtless actions.

Cons

• Clichés and Tropes: Numerous scenes appear to be reiterative of content already presented in previous works.
• Lack of Depth: As Arina notes, while the themes are presented, they remain underexplored.
• Irritating Characters: Most characters fail to endear themselves to viewers, complicating emotional investment.

The series "Chewing Gum" is undoubtedly a contentious yet widely-discussed work. It tackles pressing issues while inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a bleak realm of adolescent cruelty. Nevertheless, the convoluted plotlines and illogical character actions result in mixed takeaways.

For those ready to face harsh and uneven narratives, "Chewing Gum" could be a worthwhile watch. Conversely, for others, it may simply represent a "pill against naivety" that not everyone is willing to swallow.