Exploring the Nostalgic Depths of Chewing Gum Season 3
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Rating: 8 out of 10
The series "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" has long captured the hearts of audiences with its delicate balance of nostalgia for the tumultuous 90s and a captivating, multi-layered storyline. The premiere of its third season on the online platform Premier invites viewers back into the atmosphere of provincial Russia in the mid-90s, but this time it’s seen through the lens of its characters’ coming of age.
Characters Mature, Problems Complicate
At the center of this narrative continues to be the raucous group of friends, who, despite the passage of two years, find themselves entangled in the most unexpected situations. Set against the backdrop of the summer of 1996, this new season symbolizes a pivotal moment in the protagonists' lives.
- Sanya (Egor Gubarev) has left school behind and is grappling with the complexities of adult life. His budding romance with a girl (Alexandra Khromova) adds a sweet romantic layer to the storyline but fails to shield him from the everyday challenges of working at a cassette kiosk.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukham) have stepped into parenthood. Vovka, ever the self-assured character, strives to support his growing family, yet he chooses rather dubious methods to do so.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin), a character marked by his tumultuous inner world, has immersed himself in physical self-improvement, heightening the drama surrounding his persona.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) makes a surprising return to her hometown, not alone but accompanied by her fiancé (Fyodor Fedotov), shocking her friends and adding tension to the group dynamic.
Sanya's familial struggles take center stage, particularly given that his mother (Ksenia Katalymova) has been arrested for financial dealings gone awry. Meanwhile, his father (Stepan Devonin) hopes for assistance from a former partner who may not be who he appears to be.
A Criminal Tula: A Whirlwind of Events
The screenwriters have opted for a straightforward approach, directly spotlighting Tula as the setting. Following the developments of the previous seasons, the city undergoes transformations: many key figures in the criminal underworld have met their demise. This necessitates the introduction of new characters and even the resurrection of previous ones.
Expect to see the unexpected return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko). In the last season, their deaths seemed conclusive, but this time, the writers have skillfully justified their survival, enriching the storyline with intrigue and dynamic pacing.
Soundtrack: The Voice of an Era
The musical backdrop remains one of the series' greatest strengths. The compositions from Mujus evoke the atmosphere of an era fraught with anxiety yet teeming with hope. Additionally, iconic hits from the 90s craft a sentimental journey back in time. A particular highlight is the album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," which, despite its actual timeline, is showcased a year ahead of its release.
A Slow Start or the Calm Before the Storm?
Unlike prior seasons, the third installment commences with a relatively slow narrative pace. However, tension is palpable from the very first episodes. The primary question remains: will the creators maintain this rhythm, or will they plunge the characters into a maelstrom of thrilling and perilous escapades, as has become customary?
In Summary
The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a high-quality continuation of the journey through maturity, the struggles of choice, and the essence of the challenging 90s. Despite some controversial narrative decisions, this show stands as one of the finest examples of contemporary Russian cinema. With its blend of intrigue, dynamic storytelling, and emotional depth, the series is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates drama steeped in historical context.