Exploring Season Three of “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!”
Review of Season Three of the Series “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!”: “So Little Lived, So Much Experienced”
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fiodorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fedor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkachenko, Viktor Sukhorukov, among others.
Summer of 1996: What’s New?
The third season of “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” transports viewers back to 1996, retaining the core cast but allowing them to grow older and wiser. This season unfolds in the city of Tula, where significant changes have taken place over the two years following the events of the previous season. The once-teenage protagonists now grapple with the complexities of adult life: family commitments, questionable adventures, and entanglements with the law—each element intricately intertwined within their eternal struggle for survival and happiness.
Key Plotlines:
- Sanya (Egor Gubarev): Having finished school, he embarks on his adult journey by working at a market while navigating a budding romance with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): Now new parents, Vovka is on a quest to provide for his family, resorting to risky schemes to make ends meet.
- Ilya (Fedor Roshchin): His interest in sports and weights brings about new comedic scenarios, adding depth to his character.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Returning to town with her fiancé, she stirs surprise and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanya’s Mother: Finding herself behind bars for her shady dealings, her husband hopes for a family reunion amid dire circumstances.
Simultaneously, a crime narrative unfolds throughout the city. The creators, unreservedly, depict Tula as the backdrop for these unfolding events. With a significant reduction of "criminal elements" in previous seasons, new characters are ingeniously introduced, and once-thought-dead characters like Alik and Vitek make a surprising return, embodied with more believable circumstances.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Soundtrack
As in previous seasons, music takes center stage in establishing the overall mood. The soundtrack comprises not just the hits of the '90s but also original compositions crafted specifically for the series. One standout is "Morskaya" by the band Mumiy Troll, which, despite its earlier-than-release appearance within the series, symbolizes an invigorated breath of the era. The musical interludes enhance pivotal scenes, enriching their emotional weight.
Attention to Detail
The visual execution and script meticulously recreate the essence of the '90s. Every frame serves as a portal to that iconic period, featuring market stalls, trendy fashions, and everyday troubles. The intertwining of personal and societal issues crafts a comprehensive portrayal of life during those turbulent times.
Characters You Don’t Want to Say Goodbye To
The characters’ journeys in this season are brimming with incidents that resonate deeply. The creators adeptly juggle comedy and drama, illustrating the collision of youthful naivety with the harsh realities of growing up. The performances are notably impressive, particularly by Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who imbue their roles with depth and sincerity.
Weaknesses and Controversial Aspects
Some viewers may find the season's opening rather sluggish. While slow-building tension typically enhances suspense, in this instance, it risks testing the patience of those eager for an action-packed dive right from the get-go.
Moreover, the return of certain characters thought to be lost may seem like a narrative device intended to balance the storyline rather than seamlessly integrate into the unfolding story.
Overall Assessment
The third season of “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” continues to delight with its authenticity and emotional depth. The creators successfully explore vital themes such as maturation, familial bonds, and the weight of friendship, all while keeping in mind that their project is, at its core, a narrative about people. Despite minor contentious elements, the new season merits attention due to its adept direction, strong ensemble cast, and its remarkable ability to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.
Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates depth and sincerity steeped in the vibrant atmosphere of the ‘90s.
"It reminds us how precious our history is and how our past experiences shape our present and future."