Exploring the Latest Season of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fedor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkachek, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
Summer 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" takes audiences back to 1996, skillfully retaining the beloved main characters while allowing them to mature and gain life experience. Set in the city of Tula, significant shifts have occurred over the two-year gap since the second season's events. Now faced with adulthood, the once carefree teenagers grapple with the complex world of responsibilities: family commitments, dubious ventures, and even the threat of incarceration— all of which intertwine with their relentless pursuit of happiness and survival.
Key Plotlines:
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev): Having completed school, Sanka is attempting to embark on his adult journey by working at a market and establishing a relationship with a new girlfriend.
- Volodya and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): They have taken on the role of parents, as the young father explores risky schemes to provide for his family.
- Ilya (Fedor Roshchin): Passionate about sports and working out, Ilya brings a series of humorous mishaps to the mix.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Upon returning to the city with her fiancé, she stirs up feelings of surprise and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanka's Mother: Stuck behind bars for her shady dealings, her husband is left to ponder the future of their family.
Simultaneously, the city is entangled in a criminal narrative. The creators boldly position Tula as the backdrop, ramping up the stakes as new characters emerge to fill the void left by a decrease in "criminal figures" in previous seasons. Moreover, characters presumed dead, Alik and Vityok, return with a more plausible storyline.
Season Strengths
Atmosphere and Music
As in prior seasons, music remains pivotal in crafting the show’s mood. The soundtrack not only features 90s hit songs but also includes original compositions written specifically for the series. The album "Morskaya" by the group "Mumiy Troll," though released here ahead of its actual launch, encapsulates the spirit of a new era. Musical interludes punctuate critical moments, enhancing the emotional resonance of each scene.
Attention to Detail
The visual presentation and script meticulously recreate the essence of the 90s. Every frame immerses viewers in the era: from market stalls to fashion trends and quotidian dilemmas. A blend of the personal and social fabric of life during that time results in a rich, cohesive depiction of the past.
Characters You Can’t Let Go Of
The journeys of the characters in this season are replete with events. The creators adeptly juggle comedy and drama, illustrating the clash between youthful carefreeness and the harsh realities of growing up. The performances are commendable, particularly from Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who add depth and authenticity to their roles.
Drawbacks and Controversial Moments
Some viewers might feel that the season starts off a tad sluggish. Typically, gradual tension builds up perfectly, yet here, it runs the risk of exhausting fans eager for an adrenaline-fueled experience from the outset.
The arrival of certain characters, previously thought to have met their demise, while logical, can occasionally feel like a narrative device to restore equilibrium rather than a seamless integration into the storyline.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to captivate with its authenticity and emotional depth. The creators adeptly address significant themes of growing up, family dynamics, and friendship, all while reminding us that at its heart, the show is fundamentally about people. Despite its contentious elements, the new season is worth watching due to its exceptional direction, strong cast, and impressive revival of nostalgia for a bygone era.
Recommended for viewing to anyone who appreciates depth and sincerity paired with the vivid nostalgia of the 90s.