Exploring the Third Season of 'World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Rating: 8 out of 10
The show "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" has long captured the hearts of its audience, striking a delicate balance between nostalgia for the tumultuous '90s and an engaging, multi-layered storyline. The much-anticipated third season, which debuted on the streaming platform Premier, invites viewers once more to immerse themselves in the ambiance of provincial Russia in the mid-'90s, yet this time, it does so through the lens of its characters' coming-of-age experiences.
Growing Up: Characters Evolve Amidst Complicated Challenges
At the heart of the series is a lively group of friends who, despite the passage of two years, continue to find themselves caught in unpredictable and often dramatic situations. Set during the summer of 1996, this new season marks a significant turning point in the lives of the main characters.
- Sanya (Egor Gubarev) has left his school days behind and is grappling with the complexities of adulthood. His fresh romantic relationship with girlfriend Alexandra (Alexander Khromova) adds a tender touch to the narrative but doesn’t shield him from the day-to-day struggles of working as a clerk in a video cassette shop.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have stepped into the challenging roles of young parents. Vovka, ever self-assured, faces the trials of family life, sometimes resorting to dubious methods in his quest to provide for his loved ones.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roschin), a character known for his tumultuous internal struggles, is now engrossed in the pursuit of physical self-improvement, lending a new layer of drama to his portrayal.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) returns to her hometown not alone, but with her fiancé Fyodor (Fyodor Fedotov), which adds an unexpected twist to the dynamic between her and her friends.
Sanya's family issues take center stage as well. His mother (Ksenia Katalymova) faces arrest due to financial fraud, while his father (Stepan Devonin) hopes for help from a former partner who may not be what he seems.
A Criminal Tula: A Whirlwind of Events
The writers have opted for a more direct approach this season, explicitly naming Tula as the backdrop for the unfolding drama. Following events from the previous seasons, the city has undergone significant transformations: many key figures from the criminal underworld have met their demise, compelling the creators to introduce new characters and even revive some old faces.
Viewers can expect the shocking return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko)—two characters whose deaths seemed conclusive in the last season. This time, however, the writers have rooted their survival in a more plausible framework, injecting intrigue and dynamism into the narrative.
Soundtrack: The Voice of an Era
The musical element of the series continues to stand out as one of its strongest features. Mujus's compositions expertly encapsulate the anxious yet hopeful spirit of the era. Familiar hits from the '90s rekindle fond memories, with particular emphasis on the album "Sea" by the band "Mumiy Troll," which, despite the actual timeline, is presented as if released a year earlier.
A Slow Start or the Calm Before the Storm?
Unlike its predecessors, the third season kicks off with comparatively slow-paced developments. However, the underlying tension becomes palpable from the very first episodes. The question looms: will the creators maintain this rhythm, or will they, as is customary, plunge the characters into a whirlwind of thrilling and perilous adventures?
The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a compelling continuation of the story exploring personal growth, the challenges of decision-making, and the spirit of the challenging '90s. Despite some controversial narrative choices, the series remains a shining example of contemporary Russian cinema. With its engaging intrigue, dynamic storytelling, and emotional depth, it is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates dramas laced with historical context.