Explore the 90s in Season Three of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!
The Russian series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" made its much-anticipated return with the premiere of its third season on May 4, 2023, on the PREMIER platform. This series captivates audiences through its remarkable recreation of the 1990s era, intertwining the themes of coming-of-age, societal challenges, and romantic dilemmas, all reflecting the myriad complexities, hopes, and tragedies of that time. With eight episodes, each running approximately 52 minutes, viewers are promised an immersive journey into a world brimming with intense emotions, tough choices, and unavoidable contradictions.
Plot Overview: Love, Poverty, and the 90s
Set against the backdrop of 1996, a tumultuous period marked by economic turmoil and social disorder, the latest season unfurls the personal journey of its protagonist, Sanya Ryabinin (portrayed by Yegor Gubarev). He is at a crossroads in his life, endeavoring to move past his first love, Zhenya (played by Valentina Lyapina), while finding solace in a new relationship with the spirited Ksyukha (depicted by Alexandra Khromova). The daughter of a former policeman, Ksyukha is a free-spirited individual with a passion for music—a combination that both excites and terrifies Sanya. His daily life revolves around a kiosk selling audio cassettes, where he dreams of a better future.
Meanwhile, his friend Vovka (Yegor Abramov) grapples with the trials of family life, which prove to be challenging even in more stable times. Tension escalates when Zhenya resurfaces in the city, engaged to a contemporary suitor Fedor Fedotov, igniting a whirlwind of conflicting emotions in the characters.
Criminal Drama: From Despair to Hope
The series does not shy away from depicting the violent undertows of crime that characterized the era. Former friend of Sanya, Alik (Yura Borisov), surfaces alive but burdened by his troubled past—free yet haunted by the incarceration of Vitek (Nikita Pavlenko). The dynamics in the city shift as new gangs establish their own unwritten rules, with their troubled leader, Vasya (Evgeny Tkachuk), adding further chaos to the mix.
Alik, determined to change his ways, struggles to stick to his moral compass while the pull of the criminal underworld looms near. Concurrently, Vovka stands at a moral crossroads, torn between remaining an observer or plunging headfirst into an illicit lifestyle.
Family Dramas: Imprisonment, Hopes, and Shattered Dreams
In a harrowing subplot, Sanya's mother (Ksenia Katalymova) finds herself in pre-trial detention, awaiting a trial that threatens to result in a decade behind bars. Her husband, Fedor (Stepan Devonin), emerges as a flawed character—largely ineffectual and devoid of the drive to support his family. As these events unfold, Sanya endeavors to navigate his feelings, sense of duty, and yearning for a more promising life.
The Atmosphere of the 90s: Music, Design, and Nostalgia
A standout feature of the series is its meticulous attention to the era's details. The soundtrack, featuring beloved hits from the 90s reimagined in contemporary arrangements, draws viewers deeper into the nostalgic ambiance. From set designs to costumes, every element immerses the audience in the reality of that time, captivating especially those who grew up during that vibrant decade.
Nostalgia serves as a unifying thread connecting different generations. For viewers over 40, the series evokes fond memories of youth and those complex yet memorable years. Young actors like Gubarev and Khromova embody the spirit of the time, bringing their characters to life with a relatable authenticity.
Script Flaws and Strengths
Despite the series' alluring atmosphere, its script leans towards predictability. The writers—including Alexander Belov, Pyotr Vnukov, and Sergey Panasenkov—employ tried-and-true storytelling techniques: the return of an old love, moral dilemmas, and internal conflicts. Nevertheless, this familiarity does not hinder viewers from becoming emotionally invested in the characters' journeys.
The lack of a groundbreaking plot is offset by an engaging emotional depth, and the criminal undertones inject a sense of urgency. Fans of shows like "Brigada" are likely to appreciate this particular aspect of the narrative.
Cast and Direction
The casting is equally impressive, with standout performances from Yura Borisov, Yegor Gubarev, Alexandra Khromova, and Evgeny Tkachuk. Each actor contributes significantly to the richness of their roles. Director Anton Fyodorov masterfully balances nostalgia, drama, and dynamic storytelling, crafting a piece that can be watched in one sitting without losing its charm.
Ending: A Gripping Tale
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to explore themes of maturation, love, camaraderie, and social injustice. Despite its script's shortcomings, the series remains a vibrant reflection of the era, eliciting a flurry of emotions from its audience. This narrative strikes a balance between being easy to digest while also deeply moving, making it a story worth revisiting.
For those seeking more than mere entertainment, this series invites viewers to take a journey into the past, remembering their own youthful dreams and drawing connections to the present.