Discovering Nostalgia: The Return of 90s Chewing Gum
The Russian series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" made a significant splash with the premiere of its third season on May 4, 2023, on the PREMIER platform. This captivating retro drama continues to draw viewers in with its meticulous portrayal of the 1990s era. It intricately weaves a narrative that is part coming-of-age tale, part social commentary, and part romantic drama, encapsulating the myriad challenges, hopes, and tragedies that defined that tumultuous decade. The new season comprises eight episodes, each running 52 minutes, promising to immerse us in a world bursting with vivid emotions, tough decisions, and inevitable contradictions.
Plot Dynamics: Love, Poverty, and the 90s
The storyline takes us back to 1996, a time when the country was engulfed in economic and social chaos. The protagonist, Sanka Ryabin (Egor Gubarev), begins a period of profound personal transformation; he is striving to move on from Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina), his first love. In his quest for solace, he finds comfort in a new love interest, Ksyusha (Alexandra Kromova). Ksyusha is the daughter of a former police officer, embodying a strong spirit- she’s passionate about music and preaches the importance of freedom, which both terrifies and fascinates Sanka. His daily life unfolds in a small stall filled with audio cassettes, where he often dreams of a brighter future.
Meanwhile, his friend Vovka (Egor Abramov) grapples with the challenges of family life, which proves to be a testing ground, even in more stable times. The plot thickens as Zhenya returns to town, accompanied by her new fiancé of a different breed, Fedor Fedotov, stirring a tempest of conflicting emotions within Sanka.
Criminal Intrigue: From Despair to Hope
No tale of the 90s would be complete without its fair share of criminal conflicts, a hallmark of the genre. Sanka’s former friend, Alik (Yura Borисov), reenters the narrative bearing the emotional burden of having found himself free while Vitek (Nikita Pavlenko) remains behind bars. The cityscape transforms; new gangs operate by their own set of rules while their leader, Vasya (Evgeny Tkachev), a frail asthmatic, spirals the situation into further chaos.
Alik, yearning for redemption, attempts to adhere to his ethical beliefs despite the continuous pull of the criminal underworld. Simultaneously, Vovka finds himself teetering on the edge, faced with a critical choice: stand back or dive headfirst into the world of crime.
Family Turmoil: Imprisonment, Hopes, and Shattered Dreams
Sanka’s mother (Ksenia Katalymova) finds herself in a pre-trial detention center, awaiting a verdict that could lead to a decade behind bars. His father, Fedor (Stepan Devinin), stands as a despondent and ineffectual figure, lacking the support his family desperately needs. Amidst this turmoil, Sanka strives to find harmony between his feelings, obligations, and aspirations for a better life.
The 1990s Vibe: Music, Decor, and Nostalgia
One of the series' remarkable attributes is its meticulous attention to period details. The soundtrack showcases 90s hits presented in contemporary arrangements, enhancing viewers' immersion in that unforgettable time. Every aspect, from the decor to the costumes, echoes the realities of the era, making it particularly appealing for those who grew up during that period.
Nostalgia weaves an essential thread that connects generations. For viewers in the 40-and-up demographic, the show stirs reminiscences of youth, evoking memories from those complex yet unforgettable years. The young cast, including Egor Gubarev and Alexandra Kromova, captures the essence of that time, rendering their characters relatable and vivid.
Script Strengths and Weaknesses
Despite its captivating ambiance, the script falls short in terms of unpredictability. The writers—Alexander Belov, Petr Vnukov, Sergey Panasenko, among others—utilize tried-and-true narrative devices: the return of a former love, moral dilemmas, and struggles against personal demons. Yet, this predictability does not deter viewers' emotional investment in the characters and their journeys.
The lack of a uniquely original plot twist is compensated by the depth of emotional engagement, while the criminal elements inject an extra layer of excitement. Fans of series akin to "Brigada" will find this aspect particularly enticing.
Cast and Direction
The casting leaves a lasting impression. Performers such as Yura Borisov, Egor Gubarev, Alexandra Kromova, and Evgeny Tkachev each contribute to the development of their characters' depth. Director Anton Fedorov skillfully navigates the blend of nostalgia, drama, and excitement, crafting a series that feels seamless and engaging.
Culmination: A Story That Resonates
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" further explores the themes of maturation, love, friendship, and social injustice. While the script may exhibit certain shortcomings, the series remains a vivid reflection of a bygone era, stirring a whirlwind of emotions within its audience. This narrative is both easily digestible and deeply impactful, allowing viewers to indulge in revisiting it time and time again.
For those in search of a narrative that transcends mere entertainment, the series offers a portal into the past, inviting reminiscence of youthful aspirations and insights into the present.