Chewing Gum: A Bold Exploration of Teenage Struggles

The teenage drama "Chewing Gum" ignites vigorous debates among its viewers. Some perceive it as a powerful depiction of the harsh realities faced by today's youth, while others dismiss it as a tedious, jumbled narrative where neither the characters nor their actions resonate positively. Opinions vary widely, but indifference toward this series is undoubtedly absent.

Characters Evoking Mixed Emotions

At the heart of the narrative lies Galia Shalamova—an innocent girl inadvertently swept into a whirlwind of events instigated by the people around her.

• Empathy and Sympathy: A section of the audience genuinely empathizes with the protagonist. For instance, Vladimir expresses concern: “Poor Galia, I feel so sorry for her.” For many, she symbolizes vulnerability in the face of a brutal world.
• Critique and Frustration: Conversely, another group critiques her behavior. Maria remarks, “This Galia is, to put it mildly, a bit dim-witted. I’d even say she’s painfully clueless and irritating.”

This stark contrast in perceptions may well be the creators' bold intent: Galia is not designed to be flawless; her frailties and mistakes add to her authenticity as a character.

Narrative Twists and Atmosphere of Harshness

"Chewing Gum" unfolds against a backdrop of pressing issues: bullying, abuse, toxic relationships, and stalking. The tension between Galia and Roma escalates with each episode, while the orchestrated death of a blogger emerges as a pivotal plot twist.

The Cruel World of Adolescents

Special attention is given to Galia’s companions. Roma and his crew are affluent teens devoid of moral compasses. Their cruel interactions with Galia illustrate a brutality that Ariana describes as "almost logical," considering that the adult characters in the series exhibit little wisdom themselves.

Room for Critique

The plot is filled with moments that evoke scrutiny:

• Musical Score: Boris disparages the soundtrack, stating, "The music is unbearable, it makes my ears bleed; I have to fast-forward whenever it plays."
• Character Behavior: Many viewers are annoyed by Galia's readiness to fall for manipulation. Pasha sarcastically points out, "The title of the main character fits her perfectly."

Cast and Direction

Actors: Fresh Faces

Viewers frequently highlight the "freshness" of the cast—these young actors have yet to become staples on screens. This lends the series a significant advantage: the characters feel more like real individuals rather than archetypes associated with famous talent.

Direction and Mood

Directed by Alexander Tsui, known for his work on "Difficult Adolescents," "Chewing Gum" continues to probe themes of teenage rebellion and brutality, establishing a grim and tense atmosphere. However, audiences note a lack of groundbreaking innovation in this series; similar themes have appeared in other teen dramas previously.

Reasons to Watch or to Skip "Chewing Gum"

Pros

• Realism: The series candidly addresses contemporary teenage issues without glossing over the hard truths.
• Dynamic Plot: Twists and unexpected turns captivate viewers and maintain their interest.
• Harsh Morality: "Chewing Gum" may serve as a cautionary tale regarding the repercussions of impulsive decisions.

Cons

• Clichés and Tropes: Many scenes appear to recycle content that has been thoroughly explored in previous productions.
• Lack of Depth: As Ariana mentions, the themes are acknowledged but remain underdeveloped.
• Annoying Characters: Most of the characters lack appeal, which complicates emotional investment from the audience.

The series "Chewing Gum" stands as a contentious yet undeniably talkative project. It addresses timely issues and invites viewers to delve into a grim landscape of adolescent brutality. Nevertheless, the chaotic narrative and irrational actions of the characters leave a trail of mixed feelings.

For those willing to embrace hard-hitting, uneven stories, "Chewing Gum" may hit the mark. On the flip side, for others, it might just represent a "hard pill to swallow" that not everyone is willing to digest.