Exploring the Depths of Season 3: Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!
A Review of the Third Season of the Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!": "So Little Lived, So Much Experienced"
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fedor Roschin, Evgeny Tkachek, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
Summer of 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" takes viewers back to 1996. While it keeps the core characters intact, it allows them to age and gain experience. The setting is the city of Tula, where significant changes have occurred in the two years since the events of the previous season. Now, our protagonists, who were once carefree teenagers, find themselves grappling with the complexities of adult life—family obligations, dubious ventures, and even the shadow of prison all intertwine with their ongoing struggle for survival and happiness.
Key Plotlines:
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev): Having graduated from school, he is stepping into adulthood, trying to carve out a niche for himself by working at a market and developing a new romantic relationship.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): They are navigating the challenges of parenthood while Vovka is desperately seeking ways to provide for his growing family, often getting involved in perilous schemes.
- Ilya (Fedor Roschin): He takes a keen interest in sports and weightlifting, which adds a layer of humor to his character.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Returning to the town with her fiancé, she stirs a mix of surprise and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanka's Mother: She finds herself behind bars due to fraudulent activities, leaving her husband hoping to maintain the family unit in her absence.
Concurrently, the series introduces a crime subplot as Tula serves as the backdrop. The creators aren’t shy about naming the city explicitly, addressing the significant drop in "criminal characters" from earlier seasons by weaving in new characters. Additionally, presumed-deceased heroes Alik and Vityok make a surprise return, this time with a more plausible explanation for their survival.
The Strengths of This Season
Atmosphere and Music
Just like in earlier seasons, music plays a pivotal role in establishing the show's atmosphere. The soundtrack includes not only popular hits from the 90s but also original compositions crafted explicitly for the series. The album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," which makes an appearance before its actual release, symbolizes a fresh breath of air for the era. The musical interludes enhance key scenes, adding layers of emotion and depth.
Attention to Detail
The visual aspects and the script meticulously recreate the essence of the 90s. Each frame immerses viewers into that era—vibrant market stalls, fashion trends, and the everyday troubles of inhabitants all blend together, creating a rich tapestry of life during that time.
Unforgettable Characters
The journey of the characters in this third season is packed with events that keep viewers engaged. The filmmakers skillfully navigate between comedy and drama, portraying how youthful carefree attitudes collide with the harsh realities of growing up. The performances are striking, particularly by Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who imbue their characters with depth and authenticity.
Weaknesses and Controversial Points
Some viewers may feel the season's beginning is somewhat dragged out. While a slow buildup can often create tension, this time, it risks alienating those eager for a fast-paced plunge into the action.
The reintroduction of certain previously "deceased" characters, although it does have a logical explanation, may sometimes feel like a narrative trick to balance the characters rather than a natural evolution of the story.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to captivate with its authenticity and emotional depth. The creators adeptly explore significant themes surrounding maturation, family, and friendship, while always keeping it grounded in the reality of the human experience. Despite some contentious moments, this new season is definitely worth watching, thanks to quality direction, a strong ensemble cast, and a knack for conjuring nostalgia for a bygone era.
Recommended for viewing by anyone who cherishes depth and sincerity combined with the vibrant atmosphere of the 90s.