Exploring the Controversial Series Chewing Gum
The Series "Chewing Gum": A Harsh Pill Against Naivety
The teen drama "Chewing Gum" is sparking heated debates among its viewers. Opinions vary widely; some see it as an authentic portrayal of the harsh realities faced by today’s youth, while others dismiss it as a tedious, disjointed drama with characters and actions that provoke little sympathy. The divergence in perspectives is stark, yet one thing is certain—indifference towards this series is a rarity.
Characters Eliciting Mixed Emotions
At the heart of the series is Galia Shalamova, an unsuspecting young woman drawn into a whirlwind of events instigated by those around her.
- Sympathy and Compassion: Certain viewers genuinely empathize with the protagonist. For instance, Vladimir shares his feelings, stating, "Poor Galia, I feel so sorry for her." To many, she symbolizes the vulnerability in the face of a cruel world.
- Criticism and Frustration: Conversely, a significant portion of the audience criticizes Galia’s choices and actions. Maria remarks, "Galia is, to put it mildly, not very bright. I’d even go as far as to say she’s quite irritating."
This conflicting perception might well be a deliberate choice by the creators; Galia isn’t meant to be perfect. Her flaws and missteps render her a believable and relatable character.
The Intricacies of the Plot and an Atmosphere of Brutality
"Chewing Gum" weaves its narrative around sharp themes: bullying, abuse, toxic relationships, and stalking. The tension between Galia and Roma escalates with each episode, while the orchestrated death of an influencer stands as the central intrigue.
A Harsh Teenage Reality
Significant focus is placed on Galia’s environment. Roma and his clique consist of affluent teens devoid of any moral compass. Their "games" with Galia starkly illustrate a cruelty that, as Arina points out, seems almost “logical,” given the lack of wisdom displayed by adult characters as well.
A Space for Critique
The storyline is filled with moments that raise eyebrows:
- Soundtrack: Boris critiques the musical score harshly: "The music is unbearable; I end up skipping through it."
- Character Behavior: Many are frustrated by how easily Galia succumbs to manipulation. Pasha wittily observes, "The nickname of the main character suits her perfectly."
Cast and Direction
Young Talent
Viewers have commented on the refreshing and youthful cast, with actors who haven’t yet become saturated on screen. This novelty grants the series an advantage; the characters come across as genuine individuals rather than familiar archetypes associated with well-known stars.
Direction and Atmosphere
Aleksey Tsui, recognized for his work on "Difficult Teenagers," directs this series. In "Chewing Gum," he once again delves into themes of adolescent rebellion and cruelty, crafting a dark and tense atmosphere. However, audiences note that "Chewing Gum" lacks groundbreaking innovations; much of the content feels recycled from other coming-of-age dramas.
To Watch or Not to Watch "Chewing Gum"
Pros
- Realism: The series candidly presents the issues confronting contemporary youth without sugarcoating the harshness.
- Dynamic Plot: The storyline is rife with intrigue and unexpected twists that capture viewers' attention.
- Brutal Morality: "Chewing Gum" serves as a stark warning about the repercussions of reckless decisions.
Cons
- Clichés and Tropes: Many scenes come off as reiterations of what has been shown in earlier projects.
- Lack of Depth: As pointed out by Arina, the themes are acknowledged but not thoroughly explored.
- Irritating Characters: A majority of the cast lacks redeeming qualities, making it hard for viewers to become emotionally invested.
The series "Chewing Gum" is a contentious yet undeniably engaging project. It addresses pressing issues and immerses the audience in a dark world rife with teenage cruelty. Nonetheless, the chaotic script and the illogical actions of its characters leave viewers with mixed impressions.
For those bracing for gritty and uneven narratives, "Chewing Gum" might just strike a chord. For others, it may serve as a "harsh pill of reality" that not everyone is willing to swallow.