Exploring the Controversial Drama Chewing Gum

The teen drama series "Chewing Gum" has stirred quite a mix of opinions among its viewers. On one hand, some appreciate its honest portrayal of the harsh realities facing contemporary youth; on the other, there are those who consider it a tedious, jumbled drama devoid of relatable characters or actions. While perspectives differ dramatically, there's no denying that this project elicits strong reactions.

Characters That Evoke Mixed Emotions

At the heart of the show is Galia Shalamova—an innocent and somewhat naive young woman who finds herself ensnared in a web of chaos spun by her peers.

• Sympathy and Compassion: A chunk of the audience feels genuine concern for the protagonist. For instance, Vladimir shares: "Poor Galia, I really feel for her." For many viewers, she embodies the vulnerability of a person caught in the merciless machinations of the world around her.
• Critique and Frustration: Conversely, a segment of the audience has harsh words for Galia’s actions. Maria remarks: "This Galia, to put it mildly, is not the sharpest tool in the shed. I would even dare say she’s a bit dense and annoying."

This polarizing reception may well be the intent of the creators; Galia is not crafted to be the ideal character. Her flaws and missteps render her a truly relatable figure.

A Tangle of Plot Twists and an Atmosphere of Brutality

"Chewing Gum" is built upon intense, real-life issues like bullying, abuse, toxic relationships, and stalking. The tension between Galia and Roma escalates with each episode, while the engineered death of a blogger becomes the crux of the intrigue.

A Cruel World of Adolescents

Particular attention is directed toward Galia's circle. Roma and his companions are affluent teens who appear to lack any moral compass. Their "games" with Galia highlight the brutality that permeates their interactions—a cruelty that, as Ariana notes, seems almost "logical," particularly since even the adult characters in the series are not characterized by wisdom.

Room for Critique

The storyline is filled with instances that provoke scrutiny:

• Soundtrack: Boris critiques the music, saying, "The soundtrack is unbearable, it makes my ears bleed, I find myself skipping through scenes."
• Character Actions: Many are irked by Galia’s vulnerability to manipulation. Pasha quips sarcastically, "The nickname of the main character seems very fitting for her."

Cast and Direction

Fresh Faces of the Cast

Viewers have noted that the cast features "freshness"—the young actors are relatively new to screens. This gives the series a distinct advantage: the characters feel like real individuals, not predefined roles typically associated with famous actors.

Direction and Atmosphere

Directed by Alexander Tsai, known for his work on "Difficult Teens," the show continues to delve into themes of adolescent rebellion and violence, crafting a dark and tense atmosphere. However, some audiences have remarked that "Chewing Gum" lacks striking innovative solutions; similar themes and styles have already been explored in countless other teen dramas.

Reasons to Watch or Skip "Chewing Gum"

Pros

• Realism: The series accurately portrays challenges faced by modern adolescents without sugarcoating the harsh realities.
• Dynamic Plot: Intrigues and unexpected twists keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
• Brutal Morality: "Chewing Gum" can serve as a kind of "warning" about the repercussions of reckless actions.

Cons

• Clichés and Tropes: Many scenes feel repetitive, echoing what we've seen in numerous other narratives.
• Lack of Depth: As Ariana points out, the themes presented are intriguing but insufficiently explored.
• Annoying Characters: Most of the characters fail to evoke sympathy, making emotional investment difficult for viewers.

The series "Chewing Gum" stands as a contentious yet undeniably engaging project. It tackles pressing issues while inviting the audience to navigate through a grim landscape of teenage cruelty. However, its chaotic script and characters' illogical behaviors leave viewers with mixed feelings.

For those prepared for raw and uneven narratives, "Chewing Gum" might be a worthwhile watch. For others, it may simply become a "hard pill to swallow," not easily ingested.