World! Friendship! Chewing Gum! Season 3 Review

Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Main Cast: Egor Gubarev, Valentina Lyapina, Yuri Borisov, Nikita Pavlenko, Evgeny Tkachek, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.

The third season of the beloved series "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" marks a long-awaited addition to the story of adolescents navigating life in the bustling 1990s. This time, the plot unfolds during the summer of 1996, two years after the previous events, with our characters facing fresh challenges and profound transformations.

Growing Up: A New Stage in Life

While the main characters remain familiar, dramatic shifts occur as each has evolved substantially over two years:

• Sanyka (Egor Gubarev) has graduated high school and now sells cassette tapes from a small kiosk. His journey takes an exciting turn as he explores romantic possibilities with a new girlfriend.
• Volka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have embraced parenthood. In his quest to provide for his family, Volka finds himself entangled in murky enterprises.
• Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin), the ever-eccentric character, is now pursuing physical perfection, revealing a surprising new layer of his persona.
• Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) returns to town with her fiancé, which unexpectedly changes the dynamics within her friends' circle.

Sanyka's parents are immersed in their own tumultuous situations: his mother has fallen into legal trouble for financial misconduct, while his father clings to hope that their situation can be salvaged by Vitalik (Arthur Beschtany), the family member who is always dancing on the edge of the law.

Rich Criminal Plotlines

The writers dive into Tula's underbelly with fresh perspectives on the criminal world. Although many key players in the crime game perished during season two, the introduction of new characters and the surprising re-emergence of presumed deceased figures breathe new life into the narrative.

Characters like Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko) returning from the dead elicit a mix of emotions; their revival feels more believable this time around while also packing a dramatic punch. As always, the teenagers find themselves thrust into the whirlwind of chaos, unwittingly becoming part of the criminal saga.

Soundtrack — The Soul of the Series

Music continues to play an indispensable role, enriching the series' atmosphere and overall experience. The soundtrack includes:

• Chart-topping hits from the 1990s, immersing viewers in the vibrant spirit of the era.
• The hauntingly styled music of Mujus, capturing the anxious inspiration of the time.
• The album "Sea" by the band "Mumiy Troll," which, intriguingly within the series, was released before its actual real-world debut.

This musical accompaniment adds depth and emotion to the plot lines, mirroring the spirit of change and instability that defined the tumultuous 90s.

Dynamics and Intrigue: What to Expect in Season Three

Initially, the opening episodes of the third season might come across as a tad languid relative to prior seasons, but this seemingly slow pace is merely a façade. Tension quietly escalates with each scene, and soon enough, the familiar brisk tempo of the series returns.

The writers effortlessly balance on the fine line between absurdity and reality, successfully evoking empathy towards the characters, despite their flaws and missteps. Will the series maintain this tightrope act until the finale? Or are we in for yet another whirlwind of exhilarating events?

Finale: Why You Should Tune In

The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" remains one of the most outstanding examples of nostalgic filmmaking about the 1990s. It masterfully blends together:

• Vivid Characters that audiences have grown fond of, thanks to their realism and charisma.
• An Authentic Era Atmosphere conveyed through meticulous set designs, evocative music, and period-accurate costumes.
• A Compelling Narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, skillfully interweaving lightheartedness with more serious undertones.

This season is yet another chapter in the ongoing exploration of the sentiment that for the characters, they've experienced little but endured a lot. It's a must-watch for anyone wishing to relive the magic of the 90s or anyone seeking a quality Russian drama.