Exploring Change and Growth in Season 3 of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!
Review of Season Three of “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!”: The Spirit of the 90s, Coming of Age, and the Inevitability of Change
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Rating: 8 out of 10
The beloved series “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” has captivated audiences for quite some time now, striking a delicate balance between nostalgic references to the tumultuous 1990s and a compelling, multilayered narrative. The premiere of its third season on the streaming platform Premier invites viewers back into the heart of provincial Russia in the mid-90s, this time refracted through the lens of the characters’ maturation.
Characters Evolve, Challenges Intensify
At the center of the story lies a rambunctious group of friends who, despite the passage of two years, continue to find themselves embroiled in the most unpredictable escapades. The new season unfolds during the summer of 1996, marking a symbolic transition into a new chapter for its protagonists.
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev) has moved beyond the confines of school and grapples with the complexities of adult life. His budding relationship with a girl (Alexandra Khromova) adds a romantic flavor to the narrative but does not spare him from the mundane trials of working in a tape kiosk.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) step into the role of young parents. Vovka, keeping his typical brash persona intact, strives to support his family through questionable decisions.
- Ilya (Fedor Roshchin), a character marked by inner turmoil, now fixates on physical self-improvement, which adds layers of drama and complexity to his character.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) surprises her friends by returning to their hometown, not alone but with her fiancé (Fedor Fedotov), a twist that catches everyone off guard.
Sanka’s family issues rise to prominence as a central narrative vein. His mother (Ksenia Katalymova) finds herself imprisoned for financial misconduct, while his father (Stepan Devonin) searches for assistance from a former partner who may not be what he appears to be.
Criminal Tula: A Whirlwind of Events
The writers, opting for a more direct approach, establish Tula as the backdrop for their unfolding story. Following the events of the first two seasons, the city witnesses transformations: many figures from the criminal underworld have met their demise, necessitating the introduction of new characters and even the 'resurrection' of old ones.
Fans can anticipate unexpected returns, such as Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko), whose deaths in the previous season seemed definitive. This time around, the writers have crafted a more believable narrative to justify their survival, injecting intrigue and momentum into the storyline.
Soundtrack: The Voice of an Era
The musical backdrop remains one of the series’ strongest elements. Mujus's compositions exquisitely capture the anxious yet hopeful mood of the time, while iconic hits from the 90s evoke a sense of nostalgia. A particular highlight is the album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," which, despite historical inaccuracies, is presented as having been released a year earlier than it actually was in reality.
A Slow Start or a Calm Before the Storm?
In contrast to its predecessors, the third season kicks off with a relatively languid pace. However, the tension is palpable from the opening episodes. The pressing question remains: will the creators maintain this tempo or, as is customary, plunge the characters into a whirlwind of thrilling yet perilous adventures?
The third season of “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” serves as a quality continuation of a tale centered around the themes of growing up, the burdens of decision-making, and the spirit of the challenging 90s. Despite some contentious narrative choices, the project stands as one of the finest examples of contemporary Russian cinema. With its captivating intrigue, dynamic developments, and emotional depth, this show is a must-watch for anyone who cherishes drama infused with historical context.