Review of Season Three: Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!
Review of the Third Season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!": "How Little is Lived, How Much is Experienced"
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fedorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fyodor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkatchuk, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
Summer of 1996: What’s New?
The third installment of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" takes the audience back to the vibrant year of 1996, skillfully aging its core characters, who are now navigating the complexities of adulthood. Set in the city of Tula, this season unfolds against the backdrop of significant changes that have occurred in the two years since the conclusion of the second season. The former teenagers face a myriad of adult life issues, including familial responsibilities, questionable ventures, and even the threat of incarceration—all while grappling with the timeless struggles for survival and happiness.
Key Plot Lines:
- Sanyka (Egor Gubarev): Having graduated high school, he embarks on the journey of adulthood, working at the market and attempting to foster a new relationship.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): Embracing parenthood, the young father seeks desperate means to provide for his family, getting entwined in risky schemes along the way.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin): Now immersed in sports and weightlifting, his character adds a humorous twist to the narrative.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Returning to town with her fiancé, she sparks a mix of surprise and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanyka's Mother: She finds herself behind bars due to fraudulent activities, leaving her husband hopeful for the family’s redemption.
In tandem with these personal arcs, a criminal subplot emerges in Tula, openly referred to by the creators. The season introduces new characters to compensate for the noticeable reduction of "criminal figures" seen in prior seasons. Some previously presumed dead characters, Alik and Vityok, return with explanations that feel plausible and authentic.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
As always, music plays a pivotal role in establishing the season's ambiance. The soundtrack is a delightful blend of 90s hits along with original compositions crafted for the series. Notably, the release of the "Marine" album by the band "Mumiy Troll" coincides with the narrative, symbolizing a fragrant whiff of a bygone era. Musical interludes accentuate significant moments, imbuing them with heightened emotional resonance.
Attention to Detail
The visual design and script meticulously recreate the 90s era. Every frame serves as a portal to that time, showcasing market stalls, trendy fashion, and everyday life struggles. The intertwining of personal and societal themes constructs a holistic view of the realities of life during that vibrant decade.
Relatable Characters
The characters’ journeys this season are abundant in action and emotion. The creators deftly strike a balance between comedy and drama, illustrating the stark contrast between youthful carefreeness and the hard-edged realities of growing up. Exceptional performances from Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov stand out, lending depth and authenticity to their roles.
Weaknesses and Controversial Moments
Some viewers might find the season’s opening a tad sluggish. The slow pacing, which usually builds tension, risks losing those eager for a rapid plunge into action this time around.
The reappearance of characters previously thought to be dead may appear as a contrived narrative device aimed at restoring equilibrium rather than a natural evolution of the plot.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to impress with its authenticity and emotional richness. The creators effectively tackle vital themes such as coming of age, family dynamics, and friendship while remaining true to the essence of their series—a narrative focused on people. Despite a few contentious elements, the new season merits attention for its excellent direction, compelling cast, and its ability to evoke nostalgia for a past era.
Highly recommended for viewing to anyone who cherishes depth and sincerity wrapped in the vivid ambiance of the 90s.