Exploring the Emotional Depth in Season Three of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fedorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fedor Roschin, Evgeny Tkachuk, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
Summer of 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" whisks viewers back to 1996, retaining its core characters while allowing them to mature and navigate the complexities of adulthood. Set in the city of Tula, we observe significant transformations that unfold in the two-year gap following the previous season's events. The protagonists, who were once carefree teenagers, grapple with the pressures of grown-up life, including family responsibilities, dubious escapades, and the looming specter of incarceration—all while striving for survival and happiness.
Key Plot Lines:
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev): Having graduated from school, Sanka embarks on his journey into adulthood, working at a market while trying to build a relationship with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): Embracing parenthood, Vovka seeks ways to provide for his family, often getting entangled in precarious schemes.
- Ilya (Fedor Roschin): Now a fitness enthusiast, Ilya's fascination with weights introduces an added layer of hilarity to his character.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Returning to Tula with her fiancé stirs up surprise and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanka's Mother: Serving time for her fraudulent activities, her husband holds out hope for the family's salvation.
Concurrently, a crime narrative unfolds within the city. The creators openly designate Tula as the backdrop for this gritty tale, introducing new characters due to a notable decrease in "criminal elements" from earlier seasons. Surprisingly, characters presumed to be deceased, Alik and Vityok, re-emerge, this time with more plausible explanations for their return.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
Once again, music plays a pivotal role in crafting the show’s atmosphere. The soundtrack features not only iconic hits from the 90s but also original pieces crafted expressly for the series. The album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," though it predates its actual release in the timeline, becomes a symbol of a fresh breath in the era being portrayed. Musical interludes enhance important scenes, imbuing them with more emotional depth.
Attention to Detail
The visual representation and script intricately recreate the essence of the 90s. Every frame transports the viewer back in time with depictions of market stalls, fashion trends, and everyday struggles. The blend of personal and societal issues illustrates a comprehensive picture of life during that era—a time capsule that feels palpably authentic.
Characters We Can’t Help but Miss
The journey of the characters in the third season brims with events. The writers deftly navigate the tightrope between comedy and drama, showcasing the juxtaposition between youthful carefreeness and the harsh realities of maturity. The performances are striking, particularly by Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who lend depth and sincerity to their roles.
Drawbacks and Controversial Moments
Some viewers might find the season's beginnings to be somewhat drawn out. The slower pacing, which typically builds anticipation, risks exhausting those who were eager for a quicker plunge into action.
The re-entry of certain characters thought to be lost can, while appearing logical, sometimes feel like a narrative device used to recalibrate balance, rather than an organic part of the storyline.
Overall Assessment
Season three of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to captivate with its authenticity and rich emotional landscapes. The creators successfully delve into critical themes of maturation, family, and camaraderie, all the while remembering that their project is fundamentally a tale about people. Despite some contentious aspects, this new season is worthy of attention due to its quality direction, impressive cast, and ability to evoke a nostalgic yearning for a bygone era.