Exploring Season Three of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" - Season Three: How Little Living, How Much Experiencing
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fedorov
Starring: Egor Gubarev, Valentina Lyapina, Yuri Borisov, Nikita Pavlenko, Evgeny Tkachuk, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
The third season of the beloved series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" has finally graced our screens, offering a long-awaited continuation of the captivating story centered around the lives of teenagers in the 90s. This time, the narrative unfolds during the summer of 1996, showcasing characters who have aged two years, all while grappling with new challenges and trials.
Maturing Characters: A New Chapter in Life
While the main characters remain familiar, each has undergone significant changes over the last two years:
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev) has graduated from school and is now selling tapes at a kiosk, embarking on a new phase of life which includes a budding romantic relationship with a new girl in his life.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have transitioned into parenthood, with Vovka diving into dubious schemes to provide for the family.
- Ilya (Fedor Roshchin), known for his quirks, is now on a journey towards achieving physical excellence.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) arrives in town with a fiancé, an unexpected twist that leaves her friends in shock.
Sanka’s parents are grappling with their own dramas: his mother finds herself behind bars for financial irregularities, while his father is clinging to hope that their old acquaintance Vitalik (Arthur Beshchastny) will swoop in to save them, as he seems to always navigate on the edge of legality.
A Rich Criminal Narrative
The writers skillfully unravel the criminal underbelly of the city of Tula, offering a fresh perspective. Although many significant players in the criminal arena were killed off in the previous season, the screenwriters introduce new characters while some - who were thought to be dead - make surprising comebacks.
The return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko) stirs a blend of emotions: their "resurrection" feels more believable this time, yet it still remains a dramatic narrative device. As always, the teenagers find themselves at the heart of these unfolding events, unwittingly pulled into the whirlwind of criminal activities.
The Soundtrack: The Soul of the Series
Music takes center stage once again, enriching the storyline and providing a distinctive atmosphere. The soundtrack features:
- Iconic hits from the 90s that effectively transport viewers back to that era.
- Music by Mujus, crafted to echo the troubling inspirations of the time.
- The album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," which, according to the plot, was released prior to its actual date.
The musical backdrop offers depth and emotional resonance to the unfolding plotlines, mirroring the transformative and unstable spirit of the 90s.
Dynamics and Intrigue: What to Expect from the Third Season?
Initially, the first episodes of the third season appear slower than those of the previous installments, but that is merely an illusion. The tension builds with each scene, and it won't be long before the show regains its signature fast-paced rhythm.
The writers once again tread the fine line between absurdity and realism, compelling viewers to root for the characters, flaws and all. Will the series manage to maintain its gripping intensity until the very end? Or are we in for a fresh cycle of mind-bending events?
End: Why You Should Watch
Season three of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to shine as one of the most vivid representations of nostalgic cinema reflecting the 90s. It beautifully combines:
- Colorful characters that have captured the hearts of viewers through their authenticity and charm.
- An atmosphere of the era brought to life through sets, music, and costumes.
- A consistently engaging story that keeps the audience on edge, all while being presented with a light touch.
This season marks yet another stride towards understanding that in the characters’ lives, "little has been lived, but much has been experienced." It comes highly recommended for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the 90s once more or simply enjoy a quality Russian series.