Exploring the Impact of Chewing Gum on Teen Perspectives

The teen drama "Chewing Gum" has ignited a firestorm of debate among its audience. On one hand, some viewers perceive it as a raw reflection of the harsh realities faced by today’s youth. On the other, critics argue it’s a convoluted, dull narrative, devoid of well-developed characters or engaging actions. Regardless of differing opinions, one thing is clear—this series elicits a strong reaction, leaving no room for indifference.

Characters Evoking Mixed Feelings

At the heart of the series is Galiya Shalamova—a naïve young woman swept into a whirlwind of drama that stems from her peers' actions.

• Empathy and Sympathy: Numerous viewers find themselves rooting for Galiya. For instance, Vladimir expresses his compassion by stating, "Poor Galiya, I really feel for her." For many, she symbolizes the vulnerability one experiences when confronted by the harshness of the world around them.
• Critique and Frustration: Conversely, there’s another faction of the audience that’s less than impressed with her decisions. Maria remarks, "This Galiya, to put it mildly, lacks intelligence. I would even say she’s dim-witted and quite infuriating."

This polarized reception might indeed be a deliberate choice by the creators: Galiya isn’t meant to be idealized; rather, her flaws and missteps paint her as a more authentic character.

Intricate Plot Twists and the Atmosphere of Brutality

"Chewing Gum" is constructed around sharp themes such as bullying, abuse, toxic relationships, and stalking. The intensity of the dynamics between Galiya and Roma escalates with each episode, while the staged death of a blogger serves as a pivotal plot twist.

The Harsh World of Adolescents

Significant attention is directed toward Galiya’s social circle. Roma and his crowd comprise affluent teenagers, seemingly devoid of moral compasses. Their cruel games with Galiya expose a brutality that, as noted by Arina, feels "logical," especially considering that the adults in the series aren't depicted as paragons of wisdom either.

Room for Critique

The episodic structure is laden with moments that raise eyebrows:

• Soundtrack Issues: Boris criticizes the background music, stating: "The soundtrack is unbearable; it makes my ears bleed, I find myself having to fast-forward."
• Character Behavior: Many are annoyed by how easily Galiya falls for manipulation. Pasha wryly comments, "The main character's nickname reflects her essence perfectly."

Cast and Direction

Actors: A Breath of Fresh Air

Viewers have noted that the cast brings a sense of "freshness"—the young actors haven’t yet made a name for themselves on screens. This element grants the show an edge: characters appear as relatable individuals rather than stereotypes often associated with well-known stars.

Direction and Atmosphere

The series is helmed by Alexander Tsui, famed for his work on “Difficult Adolescents.” In "Chewing Gum," he dives deeper into themes of youthful rebellion and cruelty, crafting a grim and tense atmosphere. However, fans have pointedly observed that the series lacks groundbreaking innovations; much of what is presented has already appeared in other teen dramas.

Reasons to Watch or Avoid "Chewing Gum"

Pros

• Realism: The series authentically tackles the issues plaguing modern youth without sugarcoating its narratives.
• Dynamic Plot: Unexpected twists and turns keep the viewers riveted to their screens.
• Harsh Morality: "Chewing Gum" serves as a kind of cautionary tale about the repercussions of impulsive decisions.

Cons

• Clichés and Tropes: Several scenes come across as rehashed content from previous productions, lacking originality.
• Lack of Depth: As Arina points out, while the themes are present, they remain largely unexplored.
• Annoying Characters: A majority of the characters fail to elicit compassion, making it challenging for viewers to engage emotionally.

"Chewing Gum" stands as a divisive yet undeniably significant piece of work. It engages with pressing social concerns and invites viewers to delve into the dark realms of teenage brutality. However, its disjointed script and illogical character actions can leave audiences with mixed feelings.

For those who are prepared for raw and uneven storytelling, "Chewing Gum" might prove appealing. Conversely, for others, it could simply serve as a "bitter pill against naivety"—one that not all are keen to swallow.