Exploring the Depths of Season 3 of 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
Review of the Third Season 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 Fyodorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fedor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkachenko, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
A Glimpse into Summer 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" catapults audiences back to the year 1996, bringing back beloved characters who have aged, matured, and experienced the weighty burdens of adulthood. Set in the city of Tula, the two years since the events of the second season have transformed the landscape considerably. Our central figures, once carefree teenagers, now grapple with the complexities of adult life—navigating family responsibilities, dubious ventures, and the looming specter of prison. All of this is threaded together with the unrelenting quest for survival and happiness.
Key Plotlines:
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev): Fresh out of school, he is trying his hand at adulthood by working at a market while building a relationship with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): Recently turned parents, with Vovka caught in the whirlwind of fatherhood while seeking risky schemes to support his family.
- Ilya (Fedor Roshchin): Drawn to sports and weightlifting, his newfound passions add a humorous twist to his character.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Returning to Tula with her fiancé stirs a pot of surprises and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanka’s Mother: Incarcerated for shady dealings, her husband clings to hope for the family's salvation.
Simultaneously, a criminal storyline unfolds in Tula, unabashedly citing the city's name as the backdrop. With a drastic reduction in the number of criminal characters in previous seasons, new personalities are introduced, breathing fresh life into the story. Additionally, characters presumed dead, Alik and Vityok, re-enter the fray, now with explanations that feel more credible.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
As in previous seasons, music plays a pivotal role in setting the tone. The soundtrack features not only iconic 90s hits but also original tracks made expressly for the series. The album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," despite appearing earlier than its actual release, has become emblematic of the era's new wave. The musical cues accentuate critical moments, enriching them with heightened emotion.
Attention to Detail
The visual aesthetics and writing meticulously recreate the essence of the 90s. Each frame invites viewers into the time period with vivid depictions of market stalls, fashion trends, and everyday dilemmas. The intertwining of personal and communal struggles paints a comprehensive snapshot of life during that era.
Characters Worth Holding Onto
The journey of the characters in the third season brims with events and challenges. The creative team deftly balances the light-heartedness of comedy with the often-bleak tones of drama, illustrating how youthful irresponsibility meets the stark realities of growing up. The performances are compelling, with standout portrayals from Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who breathe depth and authenticity into their roles.
Weaknesses and Controversial Aspects
Some viewers might find the beginning of the season to be somewhat sluggish. While the gradual build of tension can be engaging, in this instance, it risks alienating those eager for a faster pace of action.
The re-emergence of certain characters previously thought to be dead is, while logically explained, sometimes perceived as a narrative device aimed at restoring balance rather than being an organic part of the story.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to enchant with its authenticity and emotional resonance. The creators adeptly tackle significant themes such as maturation, family, and camaraderie while reminding us that at its core, the show is a reflection on humanity. Despite some contentious moments, the new season deserves recognition for its compelling direction, exceptional cast, and a flair for evoking nostalgia for a bygone era.