In-Depth Review of Peace! Friendship! Gum! Season 3
Review of Season Three of the Series "Peace! Friendship! Gum!": "So Little Lived, So Much Experienced"
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fedorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fedor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkachenko, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
The Summer of 1996: Whatβs New?
The third installment of "Peace! Friendship! Gum!" takes audiences back to 1996, maintaining the core characters, yet showcasing them as older and more seasoned. This season is set in Tula, where significant changes have unfolded over the span of two years since the events of the second season. The protagonists, once sprightly teens, now grapple with the complexities of adulthood: family obligations, dubious schemes, and brushes with incarcerationβthis intricate web weaves through their perpetual quest for survival and happiness.
Central Storylines:
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev): Fresh out of high school, Sanka embarks on the journey of adulthood, toiling at a local market and forging a budding relationship with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): Now parents, they navigate the challenges of parenthood, with the new father diving into risky ventures to support his family.
- Ilya (Fedor Roshchin): Obsessed with fitness, particularly weights, his new passion adds an extra layer of hilarity to his character.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Her return to town with a fiancΓ© raises eyebrows and ignites jealousy among her friends.
- Sankaβs Mom: Serving time for financial misdeeds, her husband clings to hope for the family's rescue.
Meanwhile, the criminal undercurrent of the city thickens. The writers aren't shy about presenting Tula as the backdrop. After a noticeable decrease in "criminal background characters" in earlier seasons, new faces are introduced to the narrative. Additionally, previously presumed dead characters, Alik and Vyotek, are reintroduced with a more plausible explanation for their return.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Soundtrack
As seen in previous seasons, music plays a pivotal role in crafting the show's atmosphere. The soundtrack features not only the iconic hits of the 90s but also original compositions specifically made for the series. The album "Sea" by the band "Mumiy Troll," although released in this series prior to its actual debut, has become emblematic of a newfound breath of that era. Musical interludes amplify key scenes, lending them a heightened emotional impact.
Attention to Detail
The visual styling and script meticulously recreate the essence of the 90s. Each frame plunges viewers into the decade: an array of market stalls, fashion fads, and everyday tribulations. The blurring lines between personal dilemmas and societal issues offer a cohesive portrait of life during that transformative time.
Endearing Characters
The journey of the characters in this third season is rich with experiences. The writers skillfully navigate the thin line between comedy and drama, illustrating how youthful carefree-ness clashes with the harsh realities of growing up. The performances are nothing short of commendable, particularly those of Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who infuse their characters with depth and authenticity.
Shortcomings and Controversial Aspects
Some viewers may perceive the season's start as dragging on a bit. Typically, slow plot development builds tension; however, here it risks losing the interest of those eager for rapid action.
The resurrection of some characters, who were presumed dead, although logically constructed, can occasionally feel like a narrative device aimed at restoring balance rather than seamlessly blending into the story.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Gum!" continues to impress with its authenticity and emotional richness. The creators adeptly explore poignant themes of maturation, family ties, and camaraderie, never losing sight of the fundamental essence of their project: a series about people. Despite its contentious elements, this new season warrants attention due to its accomplished direction, a robust ensemble cast, and a remarkable ability to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.
Recommended viewing for anyone who appreciates depth and sincerity intertwined with the vibrant ambience of the 90s.