Exploring the Complex Themes in 'Chewing Gum' Series
The teen drama "Chewing Gum" has sparked considerable debate among its viewers. Some applaud it for revealing the raw realities faced by today’s youth, while others dismiss it as a tedious and muddled narrative, featuring characters and actions that fail to resonate or elicit any kindness. Regardless of the opinions, one thing is clear: indifference towards this project is hard to find.
Characters That Elicit Mixed Emotions
At the heart of the series is Galia Shalamova, an innocent girl unwittingly drawn into a web of events instigated by those around her.
- Sympathy and Compassion: Some audience members genuinely feel for the protagonist. For instance, Vladimir laments, "Poor Galia, I pity her." To many, she embodies a fragile spirit overwhelmed by the harshness of her environment.
- Criticism and Frustration: Conversely, a segment of the audience criticizes her actions. Maria pointedly remarks, "This Galia is, to put it mildly, not very bright. I would even go as far as to say she's dense and annoying."
This dichotomy in perception might be precisely what the creators intended: Galia isn’t crafted to be flawless; her vulnerabilities and missteps render her a relatable, believable character in a tumultuous world.
Plot Twists and an Atmosphere of Brutality
"Chewing Gum" hinges on sharp themes: bullying, abuse, toxic relationships, and stalking. The tension between Galia and Roma escalates with each episode, while a orchestrated death of a social media influencer serves as the main intrigue.
The Harsh Reality of Adolescents
Significant focus is placed on Galia's surroundings. Roma and his friends, affluent teens devoid of moral compasses, engage in cruel "games" with Galia, illustrating a brutality that, as noted by Arina, seems almost "logical," especially since the adults in the series share little wisdom.
An Avenue for Critique
The narrative is rife with moments that invite scrutiny:
- Musical Accompaniment: Boris critiques the soundtrack, stating, "The music hurts my ears; I have to skip it."
- Character Behavior: The ease with which Galia succumbs to manipulation tends to frustrate many. Pasha sarcastically comments, "The moniker of the protagonist suits her perfectly."
Cast and Direction
Fresh Faces in Acting
Viewers often comment on the refreshing quality of the cast — these young actors have not yet become overexposed on television. This novelty affords the series a particular advantage: the characters appear as genuine people rather than clichés associated with well-known stars.
Direction and Atmosphere
The series is helmed by Alexander Tsui, who previously explored themes of teenage rebellion and brutality in "Difficult Adolescents". In "Chewing Gum", he delves deeply into these dark topics, crafting a chilling and tense atmosphere. Yet, audiences note that there are no striking innovations present in "Chewing Gum"; most elements have already surfaced in previous teen dramas.
Reasons to Watch (or Skip) "Chewing Gum"
Pros
- Authenticity: The show realistically portrays the problems that today’s adolescents confront, not shying away from tough realities.
- Engaging Plot: Intrigues and unexpected twists keep viewers riveted.
- Harsh Morality: "Chewing Gum" serves as a kind of warning about the repercussions of impulsive actions.
Cons
- Clichés and Tropes: Many scenes seem to echo themes already explored in other works.
- Lack of Depth: As Arina points out, while issues are mentioned, they remain largely undeveloped.
- Annoying Characters: A majority of the characters lack sympathy, making emotional investment challenging.
"Chewing Gum" stands as a contentious yet undeniably intriguing project. It tackles relevant issues, inviting viewers to plunge into a grim world of teenage cruelty. However, the chaotic script and illogical character decisions lead to rather mixed impressions.
For those prepared for harsh and uneven narratives, "Chewing Gum" might prove appealing. For others, it may simply function as a "pill for naivety" — one that not everyone is willing to swallow.