Discover the Thrills of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! Season 3
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Starring: Egor Gubarev, Valentina Lyapina, Yuri Borisov, Nikita Pavlenko, Evgeny Tkachenko, Viktor Sukhorukov, among others.
The eagerly awaited third season of the beloved series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" revives the nostalgic tales of teenagers navigating life in the 1990s. This season unfolds the gripping narrative in the sun-drenched summer of 1996, where our beloved characters have aged two years and now face an array of new challenges.
The Growth of Characters: A New Phase of Life
While the main characters remain familiar faces, they have each undergone significant transformations over the two-year hiatus:
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev) has completed school and is now peddling tapes at a kiosk. His life is on a new trajectory, including the emergence of romantic feelings for a fresh interest.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) embrace parenthood, with Vovka embarking on dubious ventures as he struggles to provide for his growing family.
- Ilya (Fedor Roshchin), the quirky figure, now aspires to attain physical perfection, showcasing a remarkable shift in his character arc.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) arrives in town with her fiancé, bringing unexpected revelations to her circle of friends.
Meanwhile, Sanka's parents battle their own dramas: his mother is incarcerated for financial crimes, while his father clings to the hope that they will be rescued by Vitalik (Arthur Beshastny), who perpetually treads the fine line of legality.
An Enriching Criminal Narrative
The creators unveil the underbelly of Tulа's criminal world through a fresh lens. While many pivotal figures tied to nefarious schemes met their demise in the previous season, new characters spring forth from the shadows, and much to viewers' surprise, some presumed-dead characters make unexpected returns.
The surprise reappearance of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko) garners a spectrum of emotions: although their "resurrection" carries a semblance of plausibility this time, it certainly doesn’t lack dramatic flair. True to form, the youngsters find themselves ensnared in chaotic events, inadvertently becoming entwined in the criminal whirlwind.
Soundtrack: The Soul of the Series
The music once again takes center stage, crafting a unique atmosphere that envelopes the narrative. The soundtrack proudly features:
- Chart-topping hits from the 90s that transport viewers back to that era.
- The disquietingly inspired sounds of Mujus, echoing the anxiety of the times.
- The album "Marine" by the band "Mumiy Troll," which, within the storyline, is dated earlier than its real-world release.
This musical backdrop adds emotional depth to the unfolding storylines, embodying the spirit of an era filled with change and instability.
Dynamics and Intrigue: What to Expect from the Third Season?
The season's opening episodes may initially feel languorous compared to previous installments, but this is merely a façade. As each scene unfolds, tension builds gradually, restoring the frenetic pace that fans have come to expect.
The writers deftly maneuver between absurdity and realism, compelling viewers to root for characters, despite their flaws and mistakes. Will the series maintain this electrifying tension all the way to the finale? Or are we on the brink of a whirlwind of new events?
The End: Why This Season is a Must-Watch
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" emerges as a vibrant example of nostalgic cinema dedicated to the 90s. It thoughtfully encapsulates:
- Captivating characters that have enchanted audiences with their authentic charm and relatability.
- A richly recreated era, brought to life through meticulous sets, soundtrack choices, and fashion.
- A narrative that expertly sustains suspense, all while maintaining a light-hearted presentation.
This season marks yet another step toward understanding that in the lives of the protagonists, there may be "little lived, yet much experienced." It's highly recommended for those yearning to relive the 90s or simply to enjoy a quality Russian series.