Sergei Garmash Praises The Boy’s Word While Debating Its Impact and Bans
Actor Sergei Garmash spoke positively about the series The Boy’s Word, describing it as compelling while noting its stark and brutal realism. He referenced a scene that underscores the harsh consequences faced by the characters, a moment he described as vivid and unforgettable. The remarks were reported by RIA News, highlighting the strong impression the show leaves on viewers who follow its tense, morally challenging narrative.
Garmash emphasized that the project speaks most clearly to adults, arguing that it should not be repeated in ways that would mislead younger audiences who did not live through the experiences of the 1990s. He believes the series serves as a cautionary tale that adult viewers can interpret with the seriousness it deserves, rather than as entertainment for impressionable youths.
According to the actor, the film’s core message centers on guiding parents and guardians so that children do not gravitate toward dangerous street dynamics and web-like cycles of aggression, which threaten to normalize violence. He suggests that the work can function as a conversation starter for families about the consequences of gang behavior and the social costs of crime, rather than as a glorification of criminal life.
Garmash also drew a comparison between The Boy’s Word and classic literary works, noting a resemblance to the existential tensions found in Dostoevsky. He warned against hastily banning the project, arguing that censorship could set a precedent that risks silencing nuanced storytelling and critical reflection on social issues.
The discussion on censorship broadened when TV host Olga Buzova spoke in December about The Boy’s Promise, a different title that has sparked debate over its portrayal of criminal activity. She acknowledged that adults capable of critical thinking can recognize that the crimes depicted do not justify themselves and that the protagonists do not emerge from these acts with positive outcomes. At the same time, she cautioned that younger viewers might misinterpret the behavior of gang members and imitate what they see on screen. Buzova also challenged the idea that the series prescribes a rigid moral stance, pointing out that some stated principles appearing in the show may oversimplify complex human interactions. For instance, she argued that the notion of permanent male resolve to never apologize is not a healthy or accurate portrayal of responsibility and accountability.
In recent memory, there has been notable public sentiment in Russia regarding the question of whether to ban The Child’s Promise from airing. The debate reflects broader tensions about media responsibility, youth influence, and the role of art in addressing social issues without encouraging harmful behavior. Advocates for keeping the series argue that creative works can illuminate real problems, spark discussion, and promote critical thinking among viewers. Opponents contend that certain depictions might glamorize crime and endanger impressionable audiences. The discussion continues to shape how audiences, regulators, and creators approach serious storytelling in contemporary television.