Experience the 90s: Season Three of Chewing Gum
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Starring: Yegor Gubarev, Valentina Lyapina, Yuri Borisov, Nikita Pavlenko, Evgeny Tkachenko, Viktor Sukhorukov, among others.
The third season of the beloved series Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! serves as a much-anticipated chapter in the nostalgic tale of 90s youth. Set in the heart of summer 1996, the characters have matured by two years, presenting fresh challenges and experiences that push their boundaries.
Coming of Age: A New Chapter in Their Lives
While the main characters remain instantly familiar, the two-year gap has seen significant transformations:
- Sanya (Yegor Gubarev) has graduated from school and now sells cassettes at a kiosk, ushering in a new phase in his life that includes blossoming romantic interests with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka (Yegor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have stepped into parenthood; Vovka dives into dubious dealings, motivated by the need to provide for his family.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roschin), who was always a bit quirky, now aims for physical perfection, showcasing a newfound ambition.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) arrives in town with her fiancé, creating a stir in her friends' lives as they navigate this surprise.
Meanwhile, Sanya’s parents face their own crises: his mother lands in jail for financial mismanagement, while his father banks on Vitalik (Arthur Beschastny), who continues to dance on the edges of legality, to save the day.
A Thrilling Criminal Narrative
The show delves into the underbelly of Tula's crime scene, offering a perspective enriched by both fresh characters and the unexpected resurgence of presumed deceased ones. Despite the loss of many key players in the previous season, the writers introduce compelling new figures while bringing back familiar faces —like Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vityok (Nikita Pavlenko)—that add layers to an already intricate plot.
Their dramatic returns elicit mixed emotions; this time, their 'resurrection' feels grounded in reality, yet it remains a cinematic twist that adds to the tension. As always, the teenagers find themselves inadvertently swept into a vortex of crime, raising the stakes in their lives.
The Soul of the Series: Soundtrack
Music continues to play a pivotal role, enveloping the narrative in a distinctly vibrant atmosphere. The soundtrack includes:
- Iconic hits from the 90s, which pull viewers back into that unforgettable era.
- Mujus's music, designed to echo the anxious inspiration of those changing times.
- The album "Sea" by the band Mumiy Troll, cleverly woven into the timeline of the show, as if it was released before its actual debut.
The musical backdrop enriches the emotional landscape of the storylines, mirroring the uncertainty and exhilaration that defined the decade.
Intensity and Intrigue: What to Expect from Season Three
The initial episodes of the third season may appear slow-paced compared to previous events, however, this is merely a façade. The tension builds steadily, each scene fueling anticipation, and soon enough, the exhilarating pace characteristic of the series resumes.
Writers expertly navigate the thin line between absurdity and realism, eliciting empathy for characters despite their flaws and missteps. Will the series sustain its gripping momentum until the end? Or will we be treated to another whirlwind of astonishing escapades?
Ending: Why You Should Tune In
The third season of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! stands out as a vivid representation of nostalgic filmmaking inspired by the 90s. It offers a blend of:
- Striking characters, cherished for their authenticity and charisma.
- An evocative atmosphere captured through sets, music, and costumes.
- A storyline that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats while maintaining an easygoing narrative flow.
This season enriches our understanding that in the protagonists' lives, there may be "little lived, yet so much experienced." It comes highly recommended not only for those looking to revisit the 90s but also for anyone desiring to immerse themselves in quality Russian television.