Exploring the Depths of 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!' Season 3
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Cast: Yegor Gubarev, Yuriy Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fyodor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkachenko, Viktor Sukhorukov, and many others.
Summer of 1996: What's New?
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transports viewers back to the year 1996, all while keeping its central characters intact but aged and wiser. Set in the city of Tula, we see the significant changes that have unfolded over the two years following the events of the second season. The main characters — once carefree teenagers — now grapple with the intricate challenges of adult life: family obligations, dubious ventures, and the looming threat of prison. The backdrop is a constant struggle for survival and the pursuit of happiness.
Key Storylines:
- Sanka (Yegor Gubarev): Having finished school, he tries to embark on his adult life, working at a market and building a relationship with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): They step into parenthood, with young Vovka seeking ways to support his family, leading him to risky schemes.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin): Gets swept up in sports and weightlifting, adding humorous twists to his character arc.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Returns to the city with her fiancé, stirring up astonishment and envy among her friends.
- Sanka's Mother: Lands behind bars due to fraudulent activities, while her husband clings to hope for the family's salvation.
Simultaneously, the city's crime narrative unfolds. The creators don’t shy away from directly naming Tula as the setting, introducing new characters due to a notable reduction in "criminal backgrounds" from prior seasons. Additionally, previously thought-dead characters, Alik and Vityok, return with explanations that feel more plausible this time around.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
True to its roots, music serves as a fundamental element in crafting the show's atmosphere. The soundtrack is a delightful blend of 90s hits and original compositions tailored for the series. The album "Morskaya" by Mummy Troll, despite being released within the show before its actual debut, has turned into a symbol of the era's resurgence. Musical interludes accentuate pivotal scenes, enhancing their emotional weight.
Attention to Detail
The visual style and storyline meticulously recreate the essence of the 90s. Each frame immerses the audience back in time: from makeshift market stalls to the prevailing fashion trends and everyday issues. The intertwining of personal and societal narratives creates a cohesive depiction of life during that notable period.
Characters We Can't Say Goodbye To
The journey of the characters in season three is teeming with events. The creators deftly navigate the line between comedy and drama, illustrating how youthful carefreeness collides with the harsh realities of maturation. The performances are remarkable, especially by Yegor Gubarev and Yuriy Borisov, who breathe depth and sincerity into their roles.
Shortcomings and Controversial Aspects
Some viewers may find the season's beginning a bit sluggish. While a slow build usually heightens tension, in this instance, it risks exhausting those eager for an immediate plunge into action.
The return of certain characters believed to be "dead"—although logically justified—can at times be perceived as a narrative device to recalibrate balance, rather than as a natural part of the storyline.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to delight with its authenticity and emotional depth. The creators successfully tackle vital themes of growing up, family, and friendship, all while keeping in mind that their project is fundamentally a series about real people. Despite a few dubious moments, the new season merits attention due to its skilled direction, strong cast, and ability to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.
Recommended viewing for those who appreciate depth and sincerity intertwined with the vibrant atmosphere of the 90s.