Exploring Season Three of "The World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"
Review of Season Three of "The World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – "So Little Lived, So Much Experienced"
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fyodor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkachenko, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
Summer 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "The World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" takes viewers back to the summer of 1996, reintroducing beloved characters who have grown older and certainly wiser. Set in Tula, this season unfolds two years after the previous chapter, marking significant transformations in the lives of the protagonists. Gone are the carefree days of youth; our heroes now grapple with the complexities of adult life, encompassing familial obligations, dubious schemes, and the looming threat of incarceration—all intertwined within the timeless struggle for survival and happiness.
Key Plotlines:
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev): Having graduated from school, he embarks on a journey into adulthood, trying his hand at market work while navigating a budding romance.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): New parents, with Vovka seeking ways to support his family, often diving into treacherous ventures.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin): Enthralled by sports and weightlifting, he adds a comical twist to his character arc as he stumbles through life.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Returning to town with her fiancé, she causes a stir among her friends, leading to jealousy and surprise.
- Sanka's Mother: Incarcerated for shady dealings, leaving her husband grasping for a way to hold their family together.
The narrative of the city also takes a darker turn as a criminal undercurrent grows stronger. The creators boldly position Tula as the backdrop of this drama. Following a noticeable reduction in criminal elements in earlier seasons, new characters are introduced to enrich the plot. In a surprising twist, previously thought-to-be-deceased characters, Alik and Vitek, reemerge, this time with rational explanations for their return.
Season Highlights
Atmosphere and Music
As always, the soundtrack plays a pivotal role in crafting the show’s atmosphere. Featuring not only chart-toppers from the 90s but also original compositions tailored for the series, the auditory experience enhances each moment. The album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," despite being released after the events depicted in the show, encapsulates the essence of a new era. The strategic placement of musical pieces accentuates key scenes, amplifying their emotional weight.
Attention to Detail
The meticulousness in visual aesthetics and scripting effectively revives the essence of the 90s. Every frame immerses viewers in that era, showcasing pop culture, street vendors, and everyday challenges. The blending of personal and social narratives creates a holistic portrayal of life during that period—a time filled with both nostalgia and struggle.
Heroes We Can't Quite Let Go
The characters’ journeys this third season are laden with rich experiences. The creators masterfully juggle comedy and drama, illustrating the clash between youthful naivety and the harsh realities of maturation. The performances are commendable, particularly by Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who imbue their roles with depth and authenticity, making it hard for viewers to separate from these characters after the credits roll.
Drawbacks and Controversial Aspects
Some viewers might feel the season's introduction meanders a bit, with a slower pacing that could exhaust those eager for immediate excitement. While building up tension can be effective, in this instance, it risks wearing thin for fans anticipating a more dynamic entrance into the unfolding drama.
The return of certain characters thought lost may seem like a narrative device aimed at correcting previous imbalances rather than being a natural fit within the overarching story. This could leave viewers grappling with mixed feelings about the plot's integrity.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "The World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to enthrall with its authenticity and emotional richness. The creators adeptly explore significant themes of growing up, family, and friendship, never losing sight of the fact that, above all, their project revolves around people and their relationships. Despite some questionable moments, this new season deserves a watch for its high-quality direction, powerful performances, and its gift of rekindling nostalgia for an era long gone.
Recommended for anyone who appreciates depth and sincerity intertwined with the vibrant atmosphere of the 90s.
In summary, this season stands as a testament to the trials of growing up and the fierce bonds that can withstand the test of time, delivered through a lens that combines a thoughtful narrative with the rich backdrop of a bygone era.