Exploring the Complex Dynamics of Chewing Gum Series

The teen drama series "Chewing Gum" continues to spark heated debates among viewers. Some see it as a genuine effort to showcase the stark realities faced by modern youth, while others dismiss it as a tedious and incoherent drama, where neither the characters nor their actions evoke any affection. Clearly, there's no shortage of opinions about this series, with few remaining indifferent to its impact.

Characters That Evoke Mixed Feelings

At the heart of this narrative lies Galia Shalamova—an innocent girl who finds herself ensnared in a web of events fabricated by those around her.

• Sympathy and Compassion: Certain viewers express genuine concern for the protagonist. For instance, Vladimir shared, "Poor Galia, I feel so sorry for her." For many, she symbolizes vulnerability against the harshness of the world.
• Criticism and Frustration: Conversely, a group of audience members critique Galia’s actions. Maria points out, "This Galia, to put it mildly, lacks intelligence. I would even say she's dim-witted and quite annoying."

Such contradictory perceptions might just be the creators’ intent: Galia isn’t meant to be flawless; her weaknesses and missteps render her a relatable, if flawed, character.

Intricate Plot Twists and an Atmosphere of Cruelty

"Chewing Gum" is anchored in hard-hitting topics such as bullying, abuse, toxic relationships, and stalking. The dynamic between Galia and Roma intensifies with each episode, while the staged death of a blogger becomes the central intrigue.

A Harsh World for Teens

Special attention is given to Galia’s surroundings. Roma and his friends—wealthy youngsters devoid of moral compasses—engage in games with Galia that reveal a chilling brutality. According to Arina, their actions seem "logical," considering that even the adult characters in the series lack wisdom.

Room for Critique

The plot overflows with moments that raise eyebrows:

• Musical Accompaniment: Boris criticizes the soundtrack, saying, "The music is ear-piercing, I have to skip through it."
• Character Behavior: Many are perturbed by how easily Galia succumbs to manipulation. Pasha sarcastically observes: "The nickname of the lead heroine suits her perfectly."

Cast and Direction

Fresh Faces

Viewers have noted that the cast showcases a refreshing sense of novelty, as the young actors have yet to become overly familiar faces on screen. This characteristic provides the series with a distinct advantage: characters are perceived as genuine individuals rather than mere portrayals tied to well-known stars.

Direction and Atmosphere

Directed by Alexander Tsui—renowned for his work on "Difficult Teens"—"Chewing Gum" continues to delve into themes of adolescent rebellion and brutality, generating a dark and tense ambiance. Nevertheless, audiences have pointed out that the series lacks unique, innovative solutions; much of what is presented has been previously explored in other teen dramas.

Reasons to Watch or Skip "Chewing Gum"

Pros

• Realism: The series candidly depicts the problems facing today’s youth without sugar-coating the harsh realities.
• Dynamic Plot: The story is filled with intrigue and unexpected twists that keep viewers engaged.
• Harsh Morality: "Chewing Gum" serves as a kind of cautionary tale about the consequences of thoughtless actions.

Cons

• Clichés and Tropes: Many scenes appear as recycled content previously seen in other projects.
• Lack of Depth: As Arina notes, while various themes are brought up, they often remain superficial and underdeveloped.
• Annoying Characters: Most of the characters fail to elicit any sympathy, making it challenging to become emotionally invested in their stories.

End

The series "Chewing Gum" is undoubtedly a controversial project that invites vigorous discussion. It tackles timely issues and allows viewers to immerse themselves in the grim world of teenage cruelty. Nonetheless, the disorganized narrative and the characters’ illogical behavior leave behind mixed impressions.

For those open to harsh and uneven narratives, "Chewing Gum" may prove enjoyable. However, for others, it may simply serve as a "pill against naivety"—one that not everyone is eager to swallow.