Exploring Season Three of 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
Review of Season Three of the Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!": The Spirit of the 90s, Growing Up, and the Inevitability of Change
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fedorov
Rating: 8 out of 10
The series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" has won the hearts of audiences by striking a delicate balance between nostalgic reflections of the tumultuous 90s and an engaging, multi-layered narrative. The much-anticipated third season, which premiered on the streaming platform Premier, once again immerses viewers in the atmosphere of provincial Russia in the mid-90s, but does so through the lens of the characters' maturation.
Characters Grow Up, Challenges Escalate
At the heart of the story is the ever-bustling group of friends, who, despite the passage of two years, find themselves embroiled in the most unexpected situations. The new season unfolds in the summer of 1996, symbolically coinciding with the beginning of a new chapter in the characters' lives.
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev) has moved beyond school, attempting to navigate the complexities of adult life. His budding romance with a girl (Alexandra Khamova) adds a romantic flair to the narrative, yet does not shield him from the daily struggles, such as working in a cassette kiosk.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have stepped into the role of young parents. Vovka, maintaining his typical overconfident persona, strives to support his family, albeit by dubious means.
- Ilya (Fedor Roshchin), a character grappling with inner turmoil, is now consumed by physical self-improvement, adding layers of drama to his persona.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) returns to her hometown not alone, but with a fiancΓ© (Fedor Fedotov), which presents a surprising twist for her friends.
Sanka's family issues also form a central narrative arc. His mother (Ksenia Katalymova) finds herself arrested for financial fraud, while his father (Stepan Devonin) seeks help from a former partner who may not be as trustworthy as he appears.
Criminal Tula: A Whirlwind of Events
The writers have chosen to be more explicit, clearly setting the action in Tula. Following the events of the first two seasons, the city undergoes transformationsβmany key figures in the criminal underworld have met their demise, prompting creators to introduce new characters and even "resurrect" some from the past.
Viewers should brace themselves for the unexpected return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko), whose deaths in the previous season seemed final. This time, the writers have skillfully crafted a more plausible explanation for their survival, infusing intrigue and momentum into the storyline.
Soundtrack: The Voice of an Era
The musical score continues to be a standout feature of the series. Mujusβ compositions deftly capture the mood of an era that is both anxious and filled with hope. The season resonates with hits from the 90s that evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. Notably, significant focus is given to the album "Morskaya" by the band Mumiy Troll, which, despite real-world chronology, is released a year earlier than expected.
A Slow Start or The Calm Before the Storm?
In stark contrast to previous seasons, the third installment begins with a relatively slow unfolding of events. However, a palpable tension is felt right from the initial episodes. The real question lies in whether the creators will maintain this pace or, as is customary, plunge the characters into a maelstrom of thrilling and perilous adventures.
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a commendable continuation of the narrative about growing up, the challenges of choice, and the essence of the complicated 90s. Despite some contentious plot decisions, the project stands out as one of the finest examples of contemporary Russian cinema. The intrigue, dynamism, and emotional depth render the series a must-watch for anyone who appreciates drama with historical context.