Explore the Depths of Season Three: A Review
Review of Season Three of the Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!": "How Little Lived, How Much Experienced"
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fyodor Roschin, Evgeny Tkachuk, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
A Glimpse into the Summer of 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transports audiences back to 1996, maintaining the beloved central characters but allowing them to mature and gain life experience. Set in the bustling city of Tula, the narrative unfolds two years after the events of the previous season, showcasing significant changes that have taken place. The once carefree teenage protagonists now grapple with adult life’s complexities—family obligations, dubious ventures, and incarceration—interwoven with their eternal struggle for survival and happiness.
Key Plotlines:
- Sanya (Egor Gubarev): Having graduated high school, he embarks on his journey into adulthood, earning a living at the market while navigating a new romantic relationship.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): They embrace parenthood, and the young father scours ways to provide for his family, often embroiling himself in risky schemes.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roschin): His enthusiasm for sports and weightlifting injects a dose of hilarity and adds depth to his character.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): She returns to Tula accompanied by her fiancé, stirring a mix of surprise and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanya's Mother: She finds herself behind bars due to financial misconduct, leaving her husband clinging to hope for family restoration.
Simultaneously, a sinister undercurrent of crime weaves through the city's landscape, as the creators aren’t shy in identifying Tula as the backdrop for their narrative. In response to the notable reduction of criminal elements in previous seasons, fresh characters are introduced, while previously presumed dead characters Alyk and Vitek return to the scene, this time with a more plausible explanation.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
As in previous installments, music plays a pivotal role in crafting the series' atmosphere. The soundtrack is a delightful mix of 90s hits and newly composed pieces tailored for the show. The album "Sea" by the band "Mumiy Troll," although released later in the real timeline, serves as a symbol of the burgeoning spirit of that era. Musical interjections amplify critical moments, enhancing their emotional weight.
Attention to Detail
The visual presentation and script meticulously capture the essence of the 90s. Every frame immerses viewers in the epoch—be it bustling market stalls, fashion trends, or everyday challenges. The intertwining of personal and societal elements creates a vivid tapestry of life during that time.
Characters You Can't Help But Love
The journey of the characters in the third season is brimming with events. The writers skillfully navigate between comedy and drama, portraying the clash between youthful carefree choices and the stark realities of growing up. The performances are truly impressive, especially those of Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who breathe life into their characters with profound depth and authenticity.
Shortcomings and Controversial Moments
Some viewers might find the season’s beginning to be somewhat slow-paced. While a gradual build can typically intensify tension, it risks fatigue for those yearning for a quick dive into action right off the bat.
Moreover, the comeback of certain characters previously presumed dead, despite the logical plot reasoning, could be perceived as a narrative maneuver aimed at restoring equilibrium rather than a genuinely integrated aspect of the storyline.
Overall Evaluation
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to impress with its authenticity and emotional richness. The creators adeptly tackle vital themes of growing up, family, and friendship, reminding us that at its core, their project is fundamentally about people. Despite a few debatable moments, this new season merits appreciation due to its high-caliber direction, remarkable cast, and mastery in evoking nostalgia for a bygone era.