A Deep Dive into Season 3 of 'World! Friendship! Chewing Gum'
Review of the Third Season of the Series "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!": "How Little Is Lived, How Much is Experienced"
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Cast: Yegor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fyodor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkachek, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
Exploring the Summer of 1996: What's New?
The third installment of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transports viewers back to 1996 while retaining its central characters, now older and wiser. The story unfolds in the city of Tula, showcasing significant changes that have transpired over the two years since the previous season. Our protagonists, once carefree adolescents, now grapple with the complexities of adulthood: familial duties, dubious ventures, and even the looming threat of prison – all laced with the unrelenting quest for survival and happiness.
Key Plotlines:
- Sanya (Yegor Gubarev): Recently graduated, he strives to embrace adult life, embarking on a journey of self-discovery while working at a market and starting a new romance.
- Vovka and Malaya (Yegor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): Navigating the challenges of parenthood, Vovka ventures into precarious schemes to provide for his growing family.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin): With a new passion for sports and weightlifting, Ilya’s endeavors lead to a series of humorous escapades.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Returning to her hometown with her fiancé, she sparks a mixture of surprise and jealousy among her old friends.
- Sanya’s Mother: Locked away for fraudulent activities, Sanya's father thrives with hope for the family's salvation amidst turmoil.
Simultaneously, the city’s underworld unfolds as the narrative boldly names Tula as the backdrop. Following a dramatic cut in the number of “criminal characters” in preceding seasons, the storyline introduces intriguing new figures while resurrecting previously thought-dead characters, Alik and Vityok, this time with more believable justifications.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
As in previous seasons, music plays a pivotal role in crafting the show's ambiance. The soundtrack not only features chart-topping hits from the '90s but also includes original compositions crafted for the series. An early appearance of the album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll" symbolizes a fresh breath of life in the era.
Musical interludes breathe additional life into crucial scenes, accentuating their emotional depth and resonance.
Attention to Detail
The visual aesthetics and screenplay meticulously reconstruct the essence of the 1990s. Each frame serves as a portal into the era filled with street vendors, fashion norms, and everyday struggles. The intertwining of personal and communal narratives creates a rich tapestry that reflects the reality of that time.
Characters It's Hard to Let Go Of
Our protagonists embark on a tumultuous journey throughout this season. The creators skillfully juggle comedy and drama, illustrating how youthful carefree living clashes with the harsh realities of adult life. Standout performances from Yegor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov bring authenticity and depth to their respective characters, making audiences root for them.
Weaknesses and Controversial Points
Some viewers may find the season’s beginning a touch sluggish. The deliberate pacing, which generally builds suspense, here risks alienating those hungry for faster-paced action and excitement.
Furthermore, the return of certain previously "deceased" characters, while logically framed, can occasionally feel more like a storytelling device aimed at leveling the narrative rather than an organic evolution in the plot.
Overall Evaluation
The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to impress with its authenticity and emotional richness. The creators effectively tackle significant themes around maturation, familial bonds, and friendship while ensuring that the heart of their show remains grounded in human experiences. Despite its controversial elements, this new season merits attention for its superb direction, talented ensemble cast, and its remarkable ability to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.
Recommended for viewing by anyone who appreciates depth and sincerity, beautifully intertwined with the vibrant atmosphere of the 1990s.