Exploring Season 3 of 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fedorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fyodor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkachev, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
Summer of 1996: What's New?
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transports viewers back to 1996, keeping the core characters but introducing them as older and wiser individuals. Set in the city of Tula, significant changes have transpired over the two-year gap since the events of the second season. The protagonists—once carefree teens—now grapple with the complexities of adulthood, facing family obligations, dubious schemes, and even incarceration—all while navigating the perennial struggle for survival and happiness.
Key Plotlines:
- Sanyka (Egor Gubarev): He has moved on from school and is attempting to start his adult life, working at a market and forging a relationship with a new love interest.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukham): They have stepped into parenthood, with the young father seeking ways to support his family, which leads him into precarious situations.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin): He becomes engrossed in sports and weightlifting, adding a humorous twist to his character.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): She returns to the city with her fiancé, stirring a mixture of surprise and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanyka’s Mother: She finds herself behind bars due to fraudulent activities, while her husband clings to the hope of reuniting their family.
The show also develops a criminal narrative for the city. The creators are unapologetically clear about Tula being the setting. Given the reduction of "criminal footage" in prior seasons, new characters are introduced to spice things up. Additionally, previously presumed dead characters Alick and Vitek appear again, this time with plausible explanations for their return.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Soundtrack
As in earlier seasons, music is pivotal in crafting the series' mood. The soundtrack not only features popular hits from the 1990s but also new compositions created specifically for the show. The album "Morskaya" from the band "Mumiy Troll," although released earlier in the series than in reality, symbolizes a reinvigorating breath of the era. Musical inserts accentuate crucial scenes, elevating their emotional weight.
Attention to Detail
The visual presentation and scripting skillfully recreate the essence of the 90s. Each frame immerses viewers into that era—complete with street vendors, fashion trends, and everyday challenges. The personal intertwines with the societal, weaving a rich tapestry of life in that period.
Characters You'll Miss
The heroes' journeys this season are packed with events. The creators adeptly balance comedy with drama, illustrating how youthful carefree attitudes clash with the harsh realities of growing up. The performances are outstanding, particularly worth mentioning are Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who breathe life and authenticity into their characters.
Drawbacks and Controversial Points
Some viewers might find the season's beginning to be a tad sluggish. While a slow-burn approach can build tension, in this case, it risks tiring those who were eager for rapid immersion into action.
The return of certain characters, once thought to be "dead," although it appears logical, can sometimes be seen as a narrative device for reinstating balance rather than an organic component of the story.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to impress with its authenticity and emotional depth. The creators skillfully tackle themes of growing up, family, and friendship, all while maintaining focus on the fact that their project primarily revolves around the human experience. Despite some contentious aspects, this new season deserves attention for its quality direction, strong cast, and ability to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.
Recommended for Viewing: Everyone who appreciates depth and sincerity wrapped in the vivid atmosphere of the 90s.