Exploring the Depths of 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!' Season 3
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fedorov
Rating: 8 out of 10
The series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" has long captured the hearts of audiences through its delicate blend of nostalgia for the tumultuous 90s and its captivating, multi-layered narrative. The third season, which premiered on the online platform Premier, once again immerses viewers in the atmosphere of provincial Russia in the mid-90s, this time seen through the lens of the characters' maturation.
Characters Mature, Complications Increase
At the forefront of this saga is the always energetic group of friends who, despite the passage of two years, continue to find themselves entangled in unpredictable situations. The new season unfolds in the summer of 1996, symbolically marking the dawn of a new chapter in the lives of its protagonists.
- Sanyka (Egor Gubarev) has left school behind and is facing the challenges of adult life head-on. His budding romance with a girl (Alexandra Khromova) adds a romantic dimension to the story, yet it doesn't absolve him from day-to-day struggles, such as working in a cassette kiosk.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have stepped into parenthood. Vovka, retaining his typical overconfident demeanor, aims to provide for his family through rather questionable means.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin), a character with an unsettled inner world, is now engrossed in physical self-improvement, which adds a layer of drama to his persona.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) returns to her hometown, not solo, but with a fiancé (Fyodor Fedotov), which throws her friends for a loop.
Sanyka's family issues emerge as a central storyline. His mother (Ksenia Katalymova) finds herself incarcerated due to financial misdeeds, while his father (Stepan Devonin) hopes for help from a former partner who might not be who he appears to be.
Crime-Ridden Tula: A Whirlwind of Events
The writers, opting for clarity over subtlety, explicitly set the backdrop in Tula. After the events of the first two seasons, the city undergoes notable transformations: numerous pivotal figures of the criminal underworld have met their end, compelling the creators to introduce new characters and even "resurrect" some past ones.
Viewers can expect the unexpected return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko), whose demise in the previous season seemed final. This time, the writers have crafted a more persuasive rationale for their survival, injecting intrigue and momentum back into the narrative.
Soundtrack: The Voice of the Era
The musical accompaniment remains one of the series' strongest points. The compositions by Mujus beautifully encapsulate the mood of an era that is as uncertain as it is hopeful. Furthermore, the beloved hits of the 90s resound throughout the episodes, stirring nostalgia in the hearts of the audience. Special emphasis is placed on the album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," which, despite the actual timeline, is released a year earlier than it should.
A Slow Start or The Calm Before the Storm?
Unlike its predecessors, the third season kicks off with a relatively subdued pace. Yet, tension is palpable from the very first episodes. The burning question remains: Will the creators maintain this tempo, or will they plunge the characters into a whirlwind of exhilarating and perilous escapades, as is customary?
Final Thoughts
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a high-quality continuation of the tale of growing up, the trials of choice, and the spirit of the challenging 90s. Despite some contentious narrative decisions, the project stands strong as one of the finest examples of modern Russian cinema. Its intrigue, dynamic storytelling, and emotional depth solidify its status as a must-watch for anyone who cherishes drama rich with historical context.