Emotional Depth and Nostalgia: Season 3 Review
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fedorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fyodor Roshchin, Yevgeny Tkachenko, Viktor Sukhorukov, among others.
Summer of 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" takes viewers on a nostalgic journey back to 1996, while keeping our beloved characters, now matured and seasoned by experience. Set against the backdrop of Tula, this season explores the transitions that have unfolded since the conclusion of the second season two years prior. The protagonists, once carefree teenagers, now find themselves grappling with the complex challenges of adult life: responsibilities of family, dubious ventures, and even encounters with the law—all woven into the relentless struggle for survival and happiness.
Key Storylines:
- Sanya (Egor Gubarev): Having graduated from school, he attempts to launch his adult life by working at a market and forging a relationship with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): These new parents face the daunting task of providing for their family, leading the young father to engage in increasingly risky schemes.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin): He dives into the world of sports and weightlifting, which adds a comedic layer to his character.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Her return to the city with a fiancé stirs up waves of surprise and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanya's Mother: She finds herself behind bars due to fraudulent activities, while her husband clings to hopes for familial salvation.
As tensions simmer, a criminal subplot emerges within the city. The writers, unflinchingly, place Tula at the heart of their narrative. With a noticeable reduction in criminal characters from prior seasons, fresh faces enter the fray, and previously presumed deceased characters, Alik and Vitek, make a surprising comeback with plausible explanations.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
Once again, the music acts as a central pillar in crafting the show’s ambiance. The soundtrack encompasses not only the iconic hits of the 90s but also tracks specifically composed for the series. The album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," although released in reality after the show's timeline, serves as an emblem of the renewed spirit of the era. Musical interludes enhance pivotal scenes, imbuing them with additional emotional resonance.
Attention to Detail
The visual styling and script meticulously recreate the 90s. Each frame pulls viewers deep into the era, depicting market stalls, fashion trends, and routine societal struggles. Personal and communal narratives intertwine, painting a comprehensive picture of life during that time.
Characters Hard to Let Go Of
The journey of the characters in this season is rich with events. The writers skillfully walk the tightrope between comedy and drama, illustrating how youthful carefreeness collides with the harsh realities of growing up. The performances are commendable, notably Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who imbue their roles with both depth and authenticity.
Drawbacks and Controversial Aspects
Some viewers may perceive the season's beginning as a bit sluggish. Although a slow build-up can generate suspense, in this case, it risks frustrating those eagerly anticipating immediate action.
The return of certain characters previously thought deceased, while appearing logical, occasionally comes across as a narrative device aimed at restoring balance rather than an organic part of the storyline.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to charm audiences with its authenticity and emotional depth. The creators adeptly address significant themes surrounding maturation, family, and friendship, while remaining true to the essence of their show—it’s fundamentally a series about people. Despite some questionable choices, the new season merits attention thanks to top-notch direction, a strong cast, and a remarkable ability to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.