Exploring Season Three of World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Starring: Egor Gubarev, Valentina Lyapina, Yuri Borisov, Nikita Pavlenko, Evgeny Tkachenko, Victor Sukhorukov, among others.
The third season of the beloved series "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" marks a long-awaited continuation of the endearing story revolving around the lives of teenagers in the 1990s. This time, the narrative unfolds during the summer of 1996, two years have passed since the last season, and characters must confront fresh challenges and trials.
Coming of Age: A New Chapter of Life
The core characters remain familiar, yet the passage of time has brought noticeable changes:
- Sanya (Egor Gubarev) has completed his schooling and is now selling cassettes at a kiosk, embarking on a new chapter in his life that includes a budding romantic relationship with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have embraced parenthood, with Vovka diving into dubious ventures to secure his family’s financial stability.
- Ilya (Fedor Roshchin), who was always a bit of an oddball, now seeks physical perfection, giving his character a new depth.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) arrives in town with her fiancé, shocking her friends in a twist of fate.
Sanya's parents experience their own personal dramas: his mother faces incarceration due to financial misconduct, while his father pin hopes of salvation on Vitalik (Arthur Beschetny), who perpetually teeters on the edge of legality.
A Thrilling Criminal Undertow
This season explores the criminal underbelly of Tula, offering new perspectives on urban life. Although many of the key figures in the crime world were lost in the previous season, the writers introduce new characters alongside the unexpected returns of some familiar faces who were thought lost.
The reappearance of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko) stirs a mix of emotions; their return feels more grounded this time but serves as a dramatic twist. As usual, the teenagers find themselves at the epicenter of tumultuous events, unwittingly swept up in the whirlpool of crime.
The Soundtrack — The Soul of the Series
Once again, music takes center stage, infusing the series with a distinct atmosphere that captures the essence of the time. The soundtrack features:
- Iconic hits from the 90s that immerse the audience in the era.
- Compositions from Mujus, styled to reflect the era's tense inspiration.
- An album from the band "Mumiy Troll" titled “Sea”, which, according to the series' timeline, was released ahead of its actual debut.
The musical backdrop enriches the narrative, mirroring the spirit of change and instability endemic to the 90s, adding layers of depth and emotion to the unfolding drama.
Dynamics and Intrigue: What to Expect from Season Three?
The initial episodes of the new season may seem slow compared to their predecessors, but this is merely a façade. The tension builds progressively, with dramatic pacing quickly reverting to its characteristic rapidity.
The writers continue to walk the thin line between absurdity and realism, compelling viewers to root for these flawed, imperfect characters despite their transgressions. Can the series maintain the suspense up to the very end? Or will viewers encounter yet another dizzying twist of events?
Ending: Why You Should Watch
The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" stands out as one of the most vibrant examples of nostalgic cinema reflecting the 90s. It seamlessly combines:
- Vibrant characters that have captured viewers’ hearts through their authenticity and charm.
- A rich atmosphere of the era, conveyed through sets, music, and costumes.
- A constantly engaging plot that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, despite its lighthearted approach.
This season symbolizes a further exploration into the proposition that in the lives of these characters, “little has been lived, yet much has been experienced.” It is highly recommended for anyone eager to stroll down memory lane to the 90s or simply enjoy a quality Russian series.