Chewing Gum: A Complex Tale of Teen Struggles

The teen drama series "Chewing Gum" has become a hotbed of contention among viewers. Some see it as a raw portrayal of the daunting realities facing today’s youth, while others dismiss it as a disjointed, dull drama that fails to elicit any emotional investment in its characters or their actions. Regardless of personal opinions, it’s clear that the show stirs strong feelings, leaving no viewer indifferent.

Characters Stirring Mixed Emotions

At the heart of the series is Galia Shalamova, a naive young woman unwittingly entangled in a whirlwind of chaotic events initiated by those around her.

• Sympathy and Compassion: Some viewers genuinely relate to and feel sorry for Galia. For instance, Vladimir expresses his concern: "Poor Galia, I feel for her." For many, she symbolizes the vulnerability faced when confronted with the harshness of the world.
• Critique and Frustration: Conversely, others criticize her actions brutally. As Maria quips: "This Galia is, to put it mildly, not very bright. I’d go so far as to say she is quite annoying and dull-witted."

This polarized perception might very well be a deliberate strategy by the creators; Galia is not intended to be a flawless character. Her flaws and errors contribute to her authenticity, making her a compelling, albeit imperfect, figure that resonates with audiences.

Twists and Tensions in a Cruel Atmosphere

"Chewing Gum" weaves a narrative rich with sharp themes: bullying, abuse, toxic relationships, and stalking. The dynamic between Galia and Roma escalates with each episode, while a contrived death of a blogger serves as the central mystery.

A Harsh Realm of Teenagers

Significant attention is given to Galia's contemporaries. Roma and his circle are affluent teens devoid of any moral compass. Their "games" with Galia expose a disturbing cruelty that, as noted by Ariana, seems "logical" considering that even the adults in the series lack wisdom.

Room for Critique

The storyline is replete with elements that spark scrutiny:

• Soundtrack: Boris criticizes the accompanying music: "The soundtrack is unbearable; I must skip ahead just to escape the noise."
• Character Behavior: Many find it infuriating how easily Galia succumbs to manipulation. Pasha wittily remarks: "The moniker of our main character really suits her."

A Talented Cast and Direction

Actors: Fresh Faces

Viewers appreciate the fresh faces in the cast, as the young actors are largely unknown, which provides the series with a sense of authenticity—these characters feel like real people rather than caricatures attached to well-known celebrities.

Direction and Atmosphere

Directed by Alexander Tsui, known for his work on "Difficult Teens," the series continues to tackle themes of teenage rebellion and brutality, creating a dark and taut atmosphere. However, many viewers point out that there’s a lack of groundbreaking solutions; similar narratives have already appeared in numerous other teen dramas.

Reasons to Watch or Skip "Chewing Gum"

Pros

• Realism: The series boldly presents the struggles of modern youth, without sugarcoating harsh truths.
• Dynamic Plot: Intrigues and unpredictable plot twists captivate the audience's attention.
• Brutal Morality: "Chewing Gum" serves as a sort of cautionary tale about the repercussions of thoughtless actions.

Cons

• Clichés and Tropes: Many scenes appear to recycle themes already exploited in other productions.
• Lack of Depth: As Ariana notes, while the themes are set, they are not thoroughly explored.
• Annoying Characters: Most of the characters fail to inspire sympathy, making it challenging for viewers to invest emotionally in their journeys.

Finale

For those willing to engage with harsh and uneven stories, "Chewing Gum" could indeed be a rewarding watch. On the other hand, for some, it may simply serve as a "pill for naivety," a bitter lesson that not everyone is eager to swallow.