Exploring Season Three of 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
Review of the Third Season of the Series "Peace! 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: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fyodor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkachenko, Viktor Sukhorukov, among others.
The Summer of 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transports viewers back to 1996, maintaining the beloved characters while giving them age and wisdom. Set against the backdrop of Tula, the narrative unfolds after two years since the events of the previous season, showcasing notable transformations. The once-teenage protagonists confront the complexities of adult life: familial obligations, dubious ventures, and the looming presence of prison—each thread interwoven with their relentless struggle for survival and happiness.
Key Plot Lines:
- Sanya (Egor Gubarev): Having graduated from school, he embarks on the journey of adulthood, taking on a job at a market while attempting to build a relationship with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): They step into parenthood, with Vovka searching for ways to provide for his family, often ensnared in risky schemes.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin): His new passion for sports and weights adds a hilariously comedic flair to his character.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Her return to the city with a fiancé stirs up a pot of surprise and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanya's Mother: Now behind bars due to financial fraud, her husband clings to hope for the family's salvation.
Simultaneously, the criminal undercurrent of the city intensifies. The creators are unabashedly forthright about Tula as the series' setting. Following a sharp decrease in "criminal characters" in earlier seasons, new figures emerge in the narrative, while presumed-dead old heroes, Alik and Vityok, return, this time with a more plausible rationale.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
True to form, music plays a pivotal role in crafting the show's ambiance. The soundtrack features not only iconic hits from the 90s but also original pieces composed specifically for the series. The album "Morskaya" from the band "Mumiy Troll," despite being presented prior to its actual release, symbolizes a breath of fresh air from this era. The strategic musical inclusions highlight crucial scenes, enhancing their emotional impact.
Attention to Detail
The visual design and script meticulously recreate the essence of the 1990s. Each frame serves as a time capsule: from street kiosks to fashion trends, revealing the everyday struggles of that period. Personal lives intertwine with societal issues, painting a holistic picture of life at that time.
Unforgettable Characters
The journey of the characters in the third season is filled with memorable moments. The writers deftly balance comedy and drama, illustrating the collision of youthful carefree living with the harsh realities of growing up. The performances are particularly striking, with Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov delivering profound and sincere portrayals that resonate deeply with the audience.
Weaknesses and Controversial Aspects
Some viewers may find the season’s opening stretch somewhat protracted. The deliberate pacing in building tension may risk losing the interest of those eager for immediate action.
Additionally, while the return of certain characters presumed dead appears logical, it occasionally feels like a narrative maneuver intended to retouch the balance rather than an organic addition to the storyline.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to delight with its authenticity and emotional richness. The creators adeptly explore significant themes of maturation, familial ties, and friendship, always reminding viewers that at its heart, the series is a narrative about people. Despite some contentious points, the new season certainly merits attention, thanks to its quality direction, a formidable cast, and the ability to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.
Recommended for viewing to anyone who appreciates depth and sincerity intertwined with the vibrant atmosphere of the 90s.