Exploring the Depths of ‘Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!’ Season 3
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Rating: 8 out of 10
Since its debut, the series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" has captured the hearts of viewers with its deft equilibrium between nostalgia for the tumultuous '90s and an engaging, multifaceted storyline. The release of the third season on the online platform Premier plunges audiences once more into the atmosphere of mid-'90s provincial Russia, but this time through the lens of the characters' maturation.
Characters Growing Up, Problems Becoming More Complex
At the core of the narrative is the vibrant group of friends who, despite the passage of two years, find themselves entangled in the most unexpected of circumstances. The action of the new season unfolds in the summer of 1996, marking a symbolic beginning of a new chapter in the lives of these protagonists.
- Sanka (Yegor Gubarev) has left school behind and is navigating the challenging waters of adult life. His new relationship with Lena (Alexandra Khromova) adds a romantic flavor to the story, yet does not shield him from daily hardships, such as his job at a cassette shop.
- Vovka (Yegor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) embrace parenthood, with Vovka maintaining his trademark overconfidence while trying to support his family through some rather questionable choices.
- Ilya (Fedor Roshchin), a character with a tumultuous internal world, has taken up a passion for physical self-improvement, which adds dramatic tension to his portrayal.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) returns to her hometown not alone but accompanied by her fiancé (Fedor Fedotov), a twist that surprises her old friends.
Sanka's family troubles become a central theme as well. His mother (Kseniya Katalymova) is arrested for financial fraud, while his father (Stepan Devonin) hopes for help from a former associate who may not be whom he appears to be.
Criminal Tula: A Whirlwind of Events
The writers have decided to abandon veiled hints and directly position Tula as the setting. Following the events of the previous seasons, the city is undergoing changes; many of the critical figures in the criminal underworld have perished, leading the creators to introduce new characters and even "resurrect" some old ones.
This season features the unexpected return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko), whose earlier demises seemed final. This time, the writers have crafted a more credible rationale for their survival, imbuing the plot with intrigue and dynamic developments.
Soundtrack: The Voice of an Era
The musical score remains one of the series' strongest assets. Mujus's compositions skillfully convey the mood of an era that is both anxiety-ridden and filled with hope. Iconic hits from the '90s further evoke nostalgia, with special attention given to the album "Morskaya" by the band Mumiy Troll, which, despite the chronological inconsistency, is said to have been released a year earlier.
A Slow Start or the Calm Before the Storm?
In contrast to its predecessors, the third season begins with a relatively languid pace. Nevertheless, the tension is palpable from the outset. The burning question remains: will the writers maintain this rhythm, or will they, as has been typical, plunge the characters into a torrent of thrilling and perilous escapades?
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" stands as a commendable continuation of a tale rooted in growing up, the challenges of choice, and the indomitable spirit of the challenging '90s. While there are some contentious narrative decisions, this project continues to represent one of the best examples of contemporary Russian cinema. The intrigue, energetic pacing, and emotional depth make this series a must-watch for anyone who appreciates drama intertwined with historical context.