Season 3 Review: Exploring Life in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fyodor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkachuk, Viktor Sukhorukov and others.
Summer 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" takes viewers back to the year 1996, keeping the main characters intact, yet allowing them to mature and gain experiences. Set in the city of Tula, this season creatively depicts the substantial changes that transpired in the two years following the events of the previous season. The protagonists, once carefree teenagers, now find themselves grappling with the complex challenges of adult life: familial responsibilities, dubious ventures, and the looming specter of prison—each element intricately woven into their ongoing struggle for survival and happiness.
Key Plot Lines:
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev): Now graduated from high school, he is striving to embark on an adult life, taking on work at the market and developing a relationship with a new girl.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): They step into parenthood, with the young father desperately seeking ways to support his family, becoming embroiled in risky schemes.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin): He becomes fascinated with sports and weightlifting, which adds a humorous twist to his character transformation.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Returning to the city with her fiancé, she stirs up surprise and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanka's Mother: She finds herself behind bars due to fraudulent schemes, while her husband desperately hopes to keep the family intact.
Simultaneously, a strain of criminality runs through the fabric of the city’s narrative. The creators do not shy away from clearly identifying Tula as their setting. With the sharp decline in "criminal characters" from prior seasons, the new installment brings in fresh personas to invigorate the storyline. Intriguingly, previously presumed dead characters, Alik and Vitek, are resurrected with explanations that are surprisingly plausible.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
As in the past, music holds a pivotal role in shaping the season's atmosphere. The soundtrack proudly features not only iconic hits from the 90s but also includes original compositions crafted specifically for the series. The album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," although it debuted here ahead of its actual release, has become emblematic of the era's new breath. The insertion of music augments key scenes, enhancing their emotional impact and depth.
Attention to Detail
In terms of visual aesthetics and scripting, the series painstakingly resurrects the 90s. Every frame immerses viewers in that distinct period: from market stalls to trendy fashion and everyday challenges. The intersection of personal lives with broader societal issues creates a holistic portrayal of life during that transformative decade.
Characters That Are Hard to Let Go
The characters' journeys in the third season are densely packed with events. The writers expertly navigate between comedy and drama, unveiling how youthful carefree notions collide with the harsh realities of growing up. The performances are compelling, particularly standing out are Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who imbue their characters with depth and authenticity.
Shortcomings and Controversial Moments
Some viewers may find that the season’s beginning is slightly dragged out. Typically, a slow burn in narrative development can build tension; however, in this instance, it risks exhausting those who anticipated a brisk plunge into action.
The revival of certain characters, previously thought to be deceased, though arguably logical, can sometimes feel like a narrative gimmick for restoring equilibrium rather than an intrinsic element of the story.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to captivate with its authenticity and emotional richness. The creators successfully address significant themes surrounding maturation, family dynamics, and friendship, while remember that ultimately, this project is a drama about individuals. Despite a few contentious aspects, the new season merits attention for its masterful direction, a stellar cast, and the ability to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.