Exploring the Nostalgic Journey in Season Three of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Rating: 8 out of 10
The series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" has long captured the hearts of viewers with its delicate balance between the nostalgia of the tumultuous '90s and an engaging, multi-layered plot. The third season, which premiered on the online platform Premier, plunges us back into the atmosphere of provincial Russia during the mid-'90s. However, this time, it presents the story through the lens of the characters' maturation.
The Characters Mature, Complications Increase
The narrative once again centers on an exuberant group of friends, who, despite passing two years, find themselves nestled in a series of unexpected circumstances. Set against the backdrop of summer 1996, this season symbolizes a pivotal turn in the lives of the characters.
- Sanya (Yegor Gubarev) has left his school days behind and is grappling with the complexities of adult life. His new relationship with a girl (Alexandra Khromova) offers a romantic flair, yet it does nothing to shield him from everyday struggles, such as working at a tape kiosk.
- Vovka (Yegor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have stepped into parenthood. Vovka, while clinging to his usual cocky demeanor, is trying to provide for his family, albeit through dubious means.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin), a character with an unstable inner world, has found solace in physical self-improvement, which adds dramatic depth to his depiction.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) returns to her hometown, no longer alone but with a fiancé (Fyodor Fedotov), which comes as a shock to her friends.
The familial troubles of Sanya take center stage. His mother (Ksenia Katalymova) faces arrest over financial schemes, while his father (Stepan Devonin) is pinning his hopes on assistance from a former partner, who may not be as dependable as he seems.
A Criminal Tula: A Whirlwind of Events
The screenwriters, choosing to forego veiled hints, overtly name Tula as the series' setting. Following the events of the first two seasons, the city undergoes significant transformations: many of the key players in the criminal underworld have perished, prompting creators to introduce new characters and even resurrect some old ones.
Viewers can expect the unexpected return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko), whose deaths in the previous season had seemed irrevocable. This time around, the writers have worked to rationalize their survival more plausibly, adding intrigue and velocity to the unfolding plot.
Soundtrack: The Voice of the Era
The musical accompaniment remains one of the series' strongest facets. The compositions by Mujus expertly evoke the mood of an era that is both anxious and hopeful. Alongside original pieces, the soundtrack features hits from the '90s that ignite waves of nostalgia. Notably, particular attention is given to the album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," which, against real historical timelines, is released a year earlier than it should have been.
Slow Start or Calm Before the Storm?
Unlike the previous seasons, the third season begins with a relatively gentle pacing. Yet, tension is palpable from the first few episodes. The lingering question remains: will the writers maintain this rhythm, or will they, as usual, plunge the characters into a vortex of exhilarating and perilous adventures?
In Closing
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a substantial continuation of the narrative exploring the journey of maturation, the difficulties of choice, and the spirit of the challenging '90s. Despite some questionable plot decisions, the series stands as one of the finest examples of contemporary Russian cinema. The intrigue, momentum, and emotional resonance ensure that this show is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates drama with historical context.