Exploring Season Three of World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!
World! Friendship! Chewing Gum! – Season Three: How Little Lived, How Much Experienced
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fedorov
Starring: Egor Gubarev, Valentina Lyapina, Yuri Borisov, Nikita Pavlenko, Evgeny Tkatchuk, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
The third season of the beloved series "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" marks a highly anticipated continuation of the nostalgic journey into the lives of teenagers from the 90s. This time, the action unfolds during the summer of 1996, with the characters having aged two years and now facing new challenges and trials.
Coming of Age: A New Chapter in Life
The main characters, although familiar, have undergone significant changes over the course of these two years:
- Sanya (Egor Gubarev) has graduated from school and is now selling cassette tapes at a kiosk. His life takes on a new direction as he embarks on a romantic relationship with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have embraced parenthood, but Vovka, eager to provide for his family, finds himself embroiled in dubious ventures.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin), who always had an eccentric streak, is now pursuing physical perfection.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) arrives in town with her fiancé, catching her friends off guard.
Meanwhile, Sanya's parents grapple with their own dramas: his mother ends up in prison for financial wrongdoing, while his father clings to the hope that Vitalik (Artur Beshchastny) will save them, a man who straddles the line between legality and crime as always.
A Rich Tapestry of Crime
The storytellers explore the criminal underbelly of Tula with a fresh perspective. Many key players from previous seasons have met their demise, yet the writers introduce new characters, while some presumed dead return unexpectedly, adding a layer of intrigue.
The reintegration of Alyk (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko) elicits a mix of emotions; their "resurrection" seems more believable this time yet unfolds dramatically. As always, the teenagers find themselves enmeshed in the whirlwind of crime, inadvertently swept up in its chaotic embrace.
The Soundtrack — The Soul of the Series
Music once again serves a pivotal role, enriching the narrative with a unique atmosphere. The soundtrack features:
- Iconic hits from the 90s, immersing viewers deep into the era's essence.
- Mujus's music, embodying the anxious inspiration of that tumultuous time.
- The album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," which, within the series' storyline, was released before its real-world debut.
This melodic backdrop imbues the unfolding stories with depth and emotion, mirroring the transformative and turbulent essence of the 90s.
Dynamics and Intrigue: What to Expect from Season Three?
The initial episodes of the third season may feel leisurely compared to earlier installments, yet this is merely an illusion. The tension builds steadily with every scene, and soon enough, the familiar breakneck pace returns.
Writers deftly navigate the tightrope between absurdity and realism, making viewers empathize with the characters, flaws and all. Will the series manage to sustain this electric atmosphere until the very end? Are we in for another series of dizzying events?
The End: Why It's Worth Watching
Season three of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" remains a shining example of nostalgic cinema capturing the spirit of the 90s. It masterfully blends:
- Colorful characters, adored for their authenticity and charisma, drawing viewers in.
- An evocative atmosphere of the era, meticulously crafted through set designs, music, and costumes.
- A plot that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, skillfully balancing lighthearted storytelling with moments of palpable tension.
This season is another step toward understanding that for the heroes, while "little has been lived, so much has been experienced." It's a must-watch for anyone eager to relive the essence of the 90s or simply enjoy a high-quality Russian series.