Season Three Review: Growth and Nostalgia in Chewing Gum
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fedor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkachuk, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
Summer of 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transports viewers to the summer of 1996, keeping the core characters while bestowing upon them a newfound maturity and life experience. Set against the backdrop of Tula, the narrative unfolds two years after the dramatic events of the previous season, shedding light on the significant changes that have taken root. The protagonists, once carefree teens, now grapple with the complexities of adult life—family commitments, dubious ventures, and the specter of imprisonment intertwine with their eternal quest for survival and happiness.
Key Plot Lines:
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev): Now a school graduate, Sanka embarks on the rocky path of adulthood, juggling a job at the market and a budding romance with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): Stepping into parenthood, young Vovka finds himself embroiled in precarious schemes to provide for his new family.
- Ilya (Fedor Roshchin): Ilya’s newfound passion for fitness and weights injects a comedic element, accentuating his already humorous persona.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Returning to town with her fiancé, Zhenya ignites a stir among her friends, provoking reactions of surprise and jealousy.
- Sanka’s Mother: Facing prison time for her fraudulent activities, her husband is left hoping for a family rescue from impending doom.
The series also delves into the criminal undercurrents of the town, openly naming Tula as the setting. Due to a reduction of criminal figures in earlier seasons, new characters emerge, breathing life into the narrative. Additionally, previously presumed dead characters, Alik and Vityok, make a surprising return, this time fitting into the plot with more credible explanations.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
As in previous installments, music plays a pivotal role in crafting the season's mood. The soundtrack artfully combines chart-topping hits of the 90s with compositions created exclusively for the series. The album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," while releasing later in real life, surprisingly features here as a symbol of the era's fresh breath. Musical interludes punctuate crucial scenes, enriching their emotional impact and anchoring the viewer’s experience.
Attention to Detail
The visual aesthetic and script meticulously resurrect the 90s. Each frame draws the audience into the backdrop of the time: from street vendors to fashion trends and everyday dilemmas, personal narratives seamlessly intertwine with wider societal themes, painting a holistic picture of life during that transformative era.
Characters that are Hard to Part With
The journey of characters in the third season is laden with events. The writers effortlessly juggle comedy and drama, balancing youthful carefreeness with the harsh realities of growing up. The performances are genuinely compelling, particularly those of Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who endowed their characters with depth and authenticity, leaving a lasting impression.
Weaknesses and Controversial Points
Some viewers might feel that the onset of the season drags on a bit. While a slow build can accumulate tension, in this case, it risks losing the attention of those eager for immediate action.
The reappearance of certain characters thought to be dead, although plausible, can occasionally be perceived as a narrative tactic to restore equilibrium rather than an organic progression of the story.
Overall Assessment
Season Three of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to enthrall audiences with its authenticity and emotional depth. The creators skillfully tackle important themes of growing up, family, and friendship, while never losing sight of their prime intention—a show about people and their journeys. Despite a few debatable aspects, this fresh season certainly deserves a watch thanks to its exceptional directing, talented cast, and the heartfelt nostalgia it evokes for a bygone era.
Highly recommended for all who appreciate depth and sincerity interwoven with the vibrant atmosphere of the 90s.