Exploring Life and Change in Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! Season 3
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fedorov
Starring: Egor Gubarev, Valentina Lyapina, Yuri Borisov, Nikita Pavlenko, Evgeny Tkachev, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
The third season of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! marks a much-anticipated return to the beloved narrative of teenage life in the ’90s. This time, the plot unfolds during the summer of 1996, as two years have passed, and with that time, the characters must confront fresh challenges and transformations.
Maturing Characters: A New Chapter in Life
Though the central cast remains familiar, the two-year gap has undoubtedly left its mark on each character:
- Sanya (Egor Gubarev) has graduated from school and now runs a cassette shop, embarking on a new chapter that includes budding romantic entanglements with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have taken on the responsibilities of parenthood. In his quest to support his family, Vovka dives into dubious schemes.
- Ilya (Fedor Roshchin), always somewhat eccentric, now seeks physical perfection, showcasing his unique approach to self-improvement.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) returns to town with her fiancé, surprising her friends and stirring up a whirlwind of emotions and adjustments in their relationships.
On the parental front, Sanya's family is also facing tribulations: his mother finds herself imprisoned due to financial misdeeds, while his father clings to the hope that their troubles can be remedied with the help of Vitalik (Arthur Bessyastny), a character who has always danced close to the edges of legality.
A Rich Criminal Narrative
This season delves into the underbelly of Tula's criminal life with a fresh lens. Although many key figures from the previous season met their demise, new characters enter the fray, and the return of some supposed casualties raises eyebrows.
The comeback of Alyk (Yuri Borisov) and Vitik (Nikita Pavlenko) ignites a mixture of nostalgia and surprise; this time, their "resurrection" feels more believable yet still carries a dramatic punch. As always, the teenagers find themselves swept up in events, unwittingly drawn into a whirlpool of crime that tests their mettle.
The Soundtrack — The Heart and Soul of the Series
Music continues to play a pivotal role, imbuing the series with a distinct atmosphere. The soundtrack features:
- 90s Hits that transport the audience back to an era bursting with cultural significance.
- Mujus's Music, which embodies the anxious inspiration of the times.
- The album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," woven into the story's fabric, even releasing before its real-world debut, adding a layer of intrigue.
This musical backdrop intricately complements the unfolding narratives, mirroring the essence of change and instability synonymous with the 90s.
Dynamics and Intrigue: What to Anticipate in Season Three?
Initial episodes of this season might seem slower compared to earlier ones, but don’t let that fool you; it’s merely an illusion. The tension intensifies with each scene, gradually reintegrating the familiar rapid pace emblematic of the series.
The writers adeptly juggle absurdity and realism, compelling viewers to root for characters despite their flaws and failures. Will the show maintain its gripping nature until the very end? Or does a new cycle of dizzying events await?
Closure: Why You Should Tune In
The third season of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! stands as one of the most vibrant offerings in the nostalgic cinematography of the 90s. It encapsulates:
- Dynamic characters that audiences have come to cherish for their authenticity and charisma.
- An atmospheric setting, masterfully conveyed through the series' décor, music, and costumes.
- A narrative that consistently keeps viewers on the edge of their seats while presenting a lighthearted touch.
This season serves as another step in comprehending that in the lives of these characters, "little has been lived, but so much has been experienced." It’s a must-watch for anyone wishing to revisit the iconic 90s or simply enjoy a quality Russian series that resonates with heart.