Exploring the Nostalgic Charm of Season Three
Review of the Third Season of the Series "World! 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 series "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" has firmly cemented its place in the hearts of viewers, thanks to its delicate balance between nostalgia for the tumultuous 90s and an engaging, layered narrative. With the premiere of the third season on the online platform Premier, we are once again invited to dive into the ambiance of provincial Russia during the mid-90s, but this time through the lens of the maturation of its central characters.
Characters Grow Up, Problems Intensify
At the heart of the storyline remains an unquenchable group of friends, who, despite the passage of two years, find themselves entangled in the most unexpected situations. Set in the summer of 1996, this new season symbolically marks the commencement of a new chapter in the lives of its protagonists.
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev) has left school behind and is grappling with the complexities of adult life. His relationship with a girl (Alexandra Khlomova) adds a romantic flavor to his journey, yet does little to lighten the burdens of daily life, including working in a cassette shop.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) are now young parents. Vovka, sticking to his typical overconfident demeanor, strives to provide for his family, albeit through questionable methods.
- Ilya (Fedor Roshchin), a character with an unstable inner world, is now engrossed in physical self-improvement, which adds layers of drama to his persona.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) returns to her hometown not alone, but with her fiancé (Fedor Fedotov), surprising her friends.
Sanka’s family issues take center stage as well. His mother (Ksenia Katalymova) finds herself in jail for financial fraud, while his father (Stepan Devonin) is clinging to hopes of assistance from a former partner, who may not be as trustworthy as he appears.
The Criminal Turn of Tula: A Whirlwind of Events
The writers have opted to abandon indirect hints, decisively placing Tula as the backdrop for the series. Following the events of the first two seasons, the city undergoes significant changes; many key figures from the criminal underworld have met their demise, necessitating the introduction of new characters and even the "resurrection" of some past ones.
Viewers can expect the unexpected revival of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko), whose earlier deaths seemed conclusive. This time, the writers have made a concerted effort to justify their survival, injecting intrigue and momentum into the unfolding plot.
Soundtrack: The Voice of an Era
The musical score continues to emerge as one of the series' strongest assets. The compositions by Mudzhus deftly encapsulate the mood of an era that is both concerning and filled with hope. Additionally, the tunes from the 90s elicit a sense of nostalgia. Special emphasis is placed on the album "Sea" by the band "Mumiy Troll," which, contrary to actual chronology, is released a year earlier in the narrative.
A Slow Start or A Calm Before the Storm?
In contrast to earlier seasons, the third begins with a relatively gradual unfolding of events. However, the tension is palpable from the outset. The burning question remains: Will the creators maintain this pace, or will they, as seen before, plunge the characters into a vortex of thrilling and perilous adventures?
In Lieu of Endings
The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a high-quality continuation of a narrative that explores coming of age, the challenges of decision-making, and the spirit of the tumultuous 90s. Despite some controversial plot choices, the series stands out as one of the finest examples of contemporary Russian cinema. The intrigue, dynamism, and emotional depth make it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates drama with historical context.