Exploring the Third Season of 'World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
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 long captured the hearts of viewers with its delicate balance between nostalgia for the tumultuous '90s and an engaging, multi-layered storyline. The premiere of the third season, showcased on the online platform Premier, plunges us once more into the ambiance of provincial Russia in the mid-'90s. However, this time, the narrative is refracted through the lens of the main characters' maturation.
Characters Mature, Problems Complicate
At the heart of the storyline is the ever-energetic group of friends who, despite the passage of two years, find themselves ensnared in the most unexpected scenarios. The unfolding of this new season takes place in the summer of 1996, a compelling marker that coincides with a fresh chapter in the lives of the characters.
- Sanya (Egor Gubarev) has left school behind and is striving to navigate the complexities of adult life. His budding relationship with a girl (Alexandra Khromova) adds a romantic twist to the narrative but does little to shield him from everyday struggles, such as working at a kiosk selling cassettes.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have embraced the tumultuous journey of young parenthood. Vovka, ever the confident individual, is on a mission to support his family, albeit through methods that raise more than a few eyebrows.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin), a character marked by his rollercoaster emotional state, is now absorbed in physical self-improvement, which injects a dramatic flair into his persona.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) makes a surprising return to her hometown, not alone, but accompanied by her fianc é (Fyodor Fedotov), creating an unexpected twist for her friends.
Family troubles plague Sanya, taking center stage in this season. His mother (Kseniya Katalymova) has been arrested for financial misconduct, while his father (Stepan Devonin) seeks assistance from a former partner who may not be the ally he appears to be.
Criminal Tula: A Whirlwind of Events
The writers have opted to forgo subtleties, candidly setting Tula as the backdrop of their narrative. Following the events of the previous two seasons, the city has altered notably: many key figures of the criminal underworld have met their demise, prompting the creators to introduce fresh characters and even "resurrect" some old ones.
Audiences can brace themselves for the surprising return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko), whose deaths were perceived as final in the prior season. This time, the writers have crafted a more believable rationale for their survival, heightening the intrigue and dynamism of the storyline.
Soundtrack: The Voice of an Era
The musical score remains one of the series' standout features. Compositions by Mujus flawlessly encapsulate the mood—tense yet teeming with hope—of the era. The soundtrack is also peppered with '90s hits that evoke waves of nostalgia. Notably, the album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll" makes an appearance, despite its release being chronologically out of sync with the show, premiering a year earlier than it should have.
A Slow Start or the Calm Before the Storm?
In contrast to the previous seasons, the third installment launches with a more gradual unfolding of events. Yet, the sense of tension is palpable from the outset. The looming question remains: will the creators maintain this leisurely pace, or will they plunge the characters into a tempest of thrilling exploits and lurking dangers, as has often been done before?
The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" offers a substantial continuation of a narrative that explores themes of coming-of-age, the difficulties of choice, and the spirit of the challenging '90s. Despite a few controversial plot decisions, the project stands out as a premier example of contemporary Russian cinema. Intrigue, pace, and emotional depth render this series a must-watch for anyone who appreciates drama steeped in historical context.
This new season is undoubtedly a riveting addition to the evolving tapestry of the series, providing viewers not only with entertainment but also with a reflective look at a pivotal era that shaped a generation.