Exploring Season Three of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"

Review of Season Three of the Series "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!": "How Little Lived, How Much Experienced"

Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fedor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkachuk, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.

A Dive into 1996: What’s New?

The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transports viewers back to the year 1996, skillfully retaining the central characters while presenting them as older and wiser individuals. Set in the city of Tula, this season showcases significant changes that have unfolded over two years since the events of the previous season. The main characters, once carefree teenagers, now grapple with the complexities of adult life: familial responsibilities, dubious ventures, and the looming specter of imprisonment—all intertwined with their eternal struggle for survival and happiness.

Key Storylines:

• Sanya (Egor Gubarev): Having graduated from school, he embarks on his adult journey, navigating work in the market while exploring a blossoming relationship with a new girlfriend.
• Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Guhman): They embrace parenthood, with the young father scrambling to provide for his family through increasingly risky schemes.
• Ilya (Fedor Roshchin): He finds solace in sports and weightlifting, further adding comic misadventures to his character arc.
• Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Her return to the city with her fiancé sparks surprise and jealousy among her friends.
• Sanya’s Mother: She faces imprisonment due to fraudulent activities, while her husband clings to the hope of salvaging the family.

Simultaneously, a darker narrative unfolds within the city’s criminal underground. The creators boldly anchor the plot in Tula, rebuilding the criminal elements that were notably diminished in earlier seasons by introducing new characters. Additionally, characters presumed dead—Alyk and Vitek—return with more plausible explanations, giving the storyline an intriguing twist.

Strengths of the Season

Atmosphere and Music

As with its predecessors, music plays an integral role in crafting the show's atmosphere. The soundtrack is a delightful tapestry of not only the 90s hits but also original compositions tailored for this season. The album "Sea" by the band "Mumiy Troll," which is featured here before its actual release, symbolizes the fresh ambiance of the era. The musical interludes enhance pivotal scenes, amplifying their emotional weight.

Attention to Detail

The visual direction and script meticulously recreate the essence of the 90s. Each scene serves as a portal back in time, showcasing bustling street vendors, fashion trends, and the everyday struggles of the period. The intersection of personal and societal themes paints a comprehensive picture of life during that era.

Characters Who Are Hard to Say Goodbye To

The journey of characters in this third season is richly eventful. The show's writers adeptly balance moments of comedy with poignant drama, illustrating the stark contrast between youthful carefree living and the harsh realities of maturation. The performances are nothing short of impressive, with Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov particularly standing out, imbuing their roles with depth and sincerity.

Shortcomings and Controversial Aspects

Some viewers may feel that the season’s introduction drags on a bit. While slow beginnings often build tension, in this instance, it risks losing the interest of those eagerly anticipating a swift plunge into action.

The return of previously deceased characters, although seemingly logical, can sometimes appear as a narrative device aimed at restoring balance rather than an organic continuation of the storyline.

Overall Assessment

The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to impress with its authenticity and emotional richness. The writers effectively tackle crucial subjects such as growing up, family dynamics, and the intricacies of friendship, all while reminding the audience that this series fundamentally revolves around people. Despite some contentious points, this new season merits attention due to its quality direction, strong ensemble cast, and its ability to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.