Exploring the Depths of Season Three of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Rating: 8 out of 10
The series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" has long captured the hearts of viewers through its delicate balance of nostalgia for the tumultuous '90s and an engaging, multi-layered narrative. The third season, which premiered on the online platform Premier, once again plunges us into the ambiance of provincial Russia in the mid-'90s, but this time viewed through the lens of the characters' maturation.
Characters Grow Up, Problems Multiply
The story revolves once again around a restless group of friends who, despite the passage of two years, continue to find themselves embroiled in the most unexpected situations. The new season unfolds during the summer of 1996, marking a symbolic beginning of a new chapter in the lives of its protagonists.
- Sanyka (Egor Gubarev) has left school behind and is striving to navigate the complexities of adult life. His budding relationship with Alina (Alexandra Khromova) brings a romantic dimension to the tale, yet it does not shield him from the everyday struggles of working in a small store selling cassettes.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have stepped into parenthood. Vovka, retaining his typical overconfident character, is eager to provide for his family but resorts to dubious methods.
- Ilya (Fedor Roshchin), a character characterized by an unstable inner world, immerses himself in physical self-improvement, adding a layer of dramatic tension to his presence.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) returns to her hometown not alone but with a fiancé (Fedor Fedotov), which catches her friends off guard.
Family issues surrounding Sanyka also take center stage. His mother (Ksenia Katalymova) faces arrest for financial misconduct while his father (Stepan Devonin) hopes to receive assistance from a former partner who may not be what he appears to be.
The Criminal Landscape of Tula: A Whirlwind of Events
The writers, opting for clarity over subtlety, explicitly identify Tula as the setting. Following the events of the first two seasons, the city has undergone significant transformation: many key figures in the criminal world have perished, prompting the creators to introduce new characters and even "resurrect" familiar faces.
Viewers can look forward to the surprising return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vityok (Nikita Pavlenko), whose previous demises appeared to be final. This season presents a more believable explanation for their survival, enriching the intrigue and driving the story forward.
Soundtrack: The Voice of an Era
The musical accompaniment continues to stand out as one of the series' strongest aspects. The compositions by Mujus expertly convey the mood of an anxious yet hopeful era. Nostalgic hits from the '90s also resonate throughout the episodes. Special mention goes to the album "Sea" by the band "Mumiy Troll," which, despite real-world chronology, is stylistically released a year ahead of its time.
A Slow Start or the Calm Before the Storm?
Unlike the previous seasons, the third season begins with a relatively slow narrative pace. However, an undercurrent of tension is palpable right from the first episodes. The critical question remains whether the creators will maintain this rhythm or, as has often been the case, thrust the characters into a torrent of exhilarating and dangerous adventures.
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" represents a worthy continuation of the tale regarding maturation, the challenges of choices, and the spirit of the complex '90s. Despite some controversial plot decisions, the project remains one of the finest examples of modern Russian cinema. The intrigue, dynamism, and emotional depth make this series a must-watch for anyone who appreciates drama with a historical underpinning.