In-Depth Review of Season 3 of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!
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, Fyodor Roshchin, Yevgeny Tkachenko, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
Summer 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transports viewers back to the year 1996, retaining its central characters but allowing them to age and gain life experience. The setting is the town of Tula, where significant changes have occurred in the two years since the second season concluded. The protagonists, once carefree teenagers, now grapple with the challenges of adulthood: familial responsibilities, shady ventures, and the looming shadow of prison—all intertwined with their relentless quest for survival and happiness.
Key Plotlines:
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev): Fresh out of school, he’s striving to carve out a new life, working at a marketplace while attempting to build a relationship with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): This duo has entered parenthood, with the young father on a quest to provide for his family, which leads him down perilous paths.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin): Now enamored with sports and bodybuilding, Ilya’s newfound passion adds a comedic layer to his character.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Returning to town with her fiancé, her arrival stirs waves of surprise and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanka’s Mother: Ensnared in imprisonment due to financial misdeeds, her husband clings to hope for their family’s salvation.
Simultaneously, the season unfolds a criminal subplot that firmly sets itself against the backdrop of Tula. The writers bravely do not shy away from naming the town as the setting. Having dramatically reduced crime-related characters in prior seasons, the new installment introduces fresh faces while even resurrecting supposedly deceased characters, Alyk and Vitek, this time with more plausible explanations.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
Music remains a cornerstone in establishing the series' distinct atmosphere. This season features a soundtrack that not only encapsulates iconic hits from the 90s but also boasts original compositions crafted specifically for the show. The album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," although predating its real-world release, has become emblematic of the era’s rejuvenation. Musical interludes effectively punctuate pivotal scenes, amplifying their impact.
Attention to Detail
The visual aesthetics and screenplay meticulously recreate the essence of the 90s. Each frame immerses the audience into the time period, showcasing everything from street-side shops to the prevailing fashion trends and everyday struggles. The blend of personal and societal issues forms a holistic depiction of life during that era.
Characters That Are Hard to Say Goodbye To
The journey of the protagonists in this season is filled with dramatic developments. The creators skillfully navigate the spectrum between humor and serious drama, revealing how youthful carelessness clashes with the harsh realities of growing up. The performances are truly commendable, particularly by Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who imbue their characters with profound depth and authenticity.
Weaknesses and Controversial Elements
Some viewers might find the beginning of the season dragged out a bit. While a gradual buildup usually heightens suspense, it runs the risk of losing the interest of those eager for a swift plunge into action.
The return of certain characters, previously thought dead, albeit logical, may sometimes feel more like a narrative device designed to restore equilibrium, rather than a seamless part of the storyline.
Overall Evaluation
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to enthrall with its authenticity and emotional resonance. The creators adeptly tackle significant themes like maturation, familial bonds, and friendship, while always remembering that their project is fundamentally a tale about people. Despite some arguments to the contrary, the new season merits attention, championed by strong directing, a talented cast, and an uncanny ability to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.
Highly recommended viewing for anyone who appreciates depth and sincerity intertwined with the vibrant ambiance of the 90s.