Exploring Season Three of 'World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
Review of Season Three of the Series "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!": "How Little Lived, How Much Experienced"
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fedorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fyodor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkachuk, Viktor Sukhorukov, among others.
Summer of 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" catapults its audience into the heart of 1996, while keeping the same beloved characters, now grown older and a bit wiser. The setting is Tuла, a city that has seen significant change in the two years since the last season. We find our protagonists—once carefree teens—now grappling with the complexities of adult life. Issues such as family obligations, dubious ventures, and encounters with the law intermingle with their perpetual struggle for survival and happiness.
Primary Plotlines:
- Sanya (Egor Gubarev): Having graduated from school, he endeavors to embark on adulthood, taking a market job while navigating a budding romance with a new partner.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Guхman): They embrace parenthood amidst the challenges of providing for their family, with the new father diving into perilous schemes.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin): His newfound passion for sports and weights adds further hilarity and idiosyncrasies to his character arc.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Returning to town with her fiancé stirs up a cacophony of surprise and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanya's Mother: Facing imprisonment due to fraud, she leaves her husband clinging to hopes of family salvation.
Concurrently, a darker narrative thread related to crime emerges within the city. The writers boldly name Tuла as the stage for these unfolding dramas. In response to a noticeable decline in "criminal backgrounds" in prior seasons, the plot introduces fresh faces, all while resurrecting supposedly deceased characters, Alik and Vityok, with explanations that feel more believable this time around.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
As in previous seasons, the soundtrack plays a pivotal role in crafting the series' ambiance. It features not only chart-topping hits from the 90s but also new compositions tailored specifically for the show. The album "Sea" by the band "Mumiy Troll," despite being released here before its actual launch, becomes emblematic of the new breath of the epoch. The musical interludes effectively amplify key scenes, enhancing their impact and emotional resonance.
Attention to Detail
Both visual aesthetics and writing meticulously recreate the essence of the 90s. Each frame offers a deep dive into the era, showcasing street stalls, fashion fads, and the daily hurdles of ordinary life. This blending of personal and societal elements crafts a holistic view of life during that transformative time.
Characters We’re Reluctant to Say Goodbye To
The journey of the characters in this third installment is packed with events. The creators artfully navigate the thin line between comedy and drama, illustrating the clash between youthful carefree attitudes and the harsh realties that come with growing up. The actors deliver outstanding performances, with particular commendation owing to Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who infused their roles with depth and authenticity.
Drawbacks and Controversial Aspects
Some viewers might find the beginning of the season to be a bit sluggish. While slow pacing often builds suspense, here it risks tiring those who anticipated an immediate plunge into action.
Additionally, the return of certain characters thought to be "dead" might seem somewhat contrived to some; rather than feeling like a natural plot continuation, it occasionally appears to be a calculated move to restore narrative equilibrium.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to captivate with its authenticity and emotional depth. The writers deftly explore vital themes such as coming of age, family, and friendship, all while remembering that, at its core, their project is a series about people. Despite some contentious moments, this new season is worthy of attention due to its high-quality direction, formidable cast, and its knack for evoking nostalgia for a bygone era.
Recommended for viewing for anyone who values depth and sincerity combined with the vibrant atmosphere of the 90s.