Review of Season 3: Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!
Review of Season Three of the Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!": "How Little Was Lived, How Much Was Experienced"
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fyodor Roshchin, Yevgeny Tkauchuk, Viktor Sukhorukov, among others.
Summer 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" ushers viewers into the summer of 1996, while retaining the familiar faces but presenting them as older and somewhat wiser. The plot unfolds in the city of Tula, where substantial changes have taken place in the two years following the events of the second season. The once-teenage protagonists now grapple with the myriad complexities of adult life: familial obligations, dubious schemes, and the specter of incarceration—each element intricately woven into the timeless struggle for survival and happiness.
Key Plotlines:
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev): Now a high school graduate, he embarks on a journey into adulthood, working at the market and navigating the complexities of a new romantic relationship.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): They embrace parenthood, with the newly minted father searching for means to provide for his family, often getting entangled in precarious undertakings.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin): He finds solace in sports and weightlifting, which adds a humorous touch to his character’s development.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): She returns to her hometown with a fiancé, sparking a wave of astonishment and jealousy among her old friends.
- Sanka’s Mother: She finds herself behind bars due to fraudulent dealings, while her husband clings to the hope of family salvation.
Concurrently, there's a surge in the city’s criminal undertakings. The creators unabashedly set Tula as the central backdrop. Following a significant reduction of “criminal characters” in earlier seasons, new faces are introduced into the story. Additionally, presumed-deceased characters, Alik and Vitek, make a return with more plausible explanations this time around.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
True to its earlier installments, music plays a pivotal role in establishing the mood of the series. The soundtrack is a delightful mix of 90s hits alongside newly composed tracks tailored specifically for the show. The album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll"—though released in this context prior to its actual launch—emerges as a representation of the era’s fresh spirit. The musical interludes enrich key scenes, amplifying their emotional resonance.
Attention to Detail
The visual aesthetic and script work tirelessly to recreate the essence of the 90s. Each frame plunges the audience into the time period: street kiosks, fashion trends, and everyday challenges. The interplay of personal and communal experiences crafts a holistic image of life during that era.
Unforgettable Characters
The journey of the characters this season is brimming with events. The writers deftly navigate between comedy and drama, illustrating the clash between youthful carefreeness and the harsh realities of growing up. The performances are commendable, particularly those of Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who breathe depth and authenticity into their roles.
Drawbacks and Controversial Aspects
Some viewers may perceive the season's beginning as a tad slow-paced. While gradual development usually builds tension, in this case, it risks tiring audiences who were eager for an immediate plunge into the action.
The re-introduction of certain characters previously thought deceased, although logically framed, can sometimes feel like a narrative strategy aimed at achieving equilibrium rather than an integral part of the storyline.
Overall Assessment
Season three of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to impress with its authenticity and emotional richness. The creators successfully tackle significant themes of maturation, family, and friendship, all while keeping in mind that their primary focus is the human experience. Despite its contentious elements, the new season warrants attention thanks to adept direction, a powerful cast, and the ability to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.
Recommended viewing for anyone who appreciates depth and sincerity paired with the vibrant atmosphere of the 90s.