Season Three Review of 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
Review of Season Three of the Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!": "How Little Has Been Lived, How Much Has Been Experienced"
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Cast: Yegor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fyodor Roschin, Evgeny Tkachenko, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
The Summer of 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" whisks viewers back to the summer of 1996, keeping our beloved central characters while allowing them to grow older and wiser. Set against the backdrop of Tula, we discover that significant changes have swept through the city in the two years following the events of the previous season. The characters, now stepping away from their teenage years, face the complexities of adult life, grappling with family commitments, questionable escapades, and encounters with the law—all interwoven with their relentless quest for survival and happiness.
Key Plot Threads:
- Sanya (Yegor Gubarev): just graduated high school, attempting to embark on adult life with a job at the market while navigating a budding relationship with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka and Malaya (Yegor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): have become parents, with the young father searching for ways to provide for his family, often getting entangled in risky schemes.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roschin): has taken a deep dive into fitness and weightlifting, leading to even more humorous situations that add layers to his character.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): makes a return to town with her fiancé, sparking waves of surprise and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanya’s Mother: finds herself behind bars due to her shady dealings, leaving her husband hoping to salvage the family's reputation.
In parallel, the series dives into the city's criminal underbelly. The creators aren ’t shy about naming Tula directly as the heart of the action. After a noticeable reduction of "criminal elements" in previous seasons, new characters are introduced while presumed-dead favorites, Alik and Vitek, come back to life with explanations that feel much more grounded.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
As in earlier seasons, music continues to play a pivotal role in crafting an immersive atmosphere. The soundtrack features iconic hits from the 1990s alongside original compositions created specifically for the series. The album "Marine" by the band "Mumiy Troll," while released here before its actual debut, symbolizes a fresh wind heralding the new era. Musical interludes underscore pivotal scenes, amplifying their emotional weight.
Attention to Detail
The visual presentation and screenplay meticulously recreate the essence of the 90s. Every frame serves as a time capsule: from market stalls to fashion trends and daily hardships, weaving personal and societal narratives into a coherent tapestry of life from that era.
Characters We Can’t Let Go Of
The journey of our protagonists in this season is laden with events that invite laughter and tears alike. The writers adroitly juggle comedy and drama, highlighting the clash between youthful carelessness and the stark realities of adulthood. Notably, Yegor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov deliver commendable performances, breathing depth and authenticity into their roles, making it hard for audiences to say goodbye.
Weaknesses and Controversial Aspects
Some viewers might find the season's beginning to be a bit drawn out. While a slow burn can intensify tension, it may fatigue those eagerly waiting for rapid-fire action.
The return of some characters previously thought dead, although logically presented, can occasionally feel like a narrative device for balancing the scales rather than being an intrinsic part of the storyline.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to delight audiences with its authenticity and emotional depth. The creators adeptly tackle vital themes of growing up, family dynamics, and friendship, all while reminding viewers that at its core, the series celebrates the human experience. Despite its controversial moments, this new installment certainly deserves attention for its quality direction, stellar cast, and masterful ability to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.