Exploring the Themes of Change in ‘World! Friendship!’ Season 3
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Rating: 8 out of 10
The television series ‘World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!’ has long captured the hearts of viewers through its delicate balancing act between nostalgia for the tumultuous 90s and an engaging, multi-layered storyline. The third season, which premiered on the Premier online platform, plunges us once more into the ambiance of mid-90s provincial Russia, yet it does so through the lens of the main characters’ maturation.
Characters Grow Up, Complications Emerge
At the heart of the narrative is once again a lively group of friends, who, despite two years having passed, find themselves embroiled in astonishingly unpredictable situations. The events unfold during the summer of 1996, a momentous time that symbolizes a new chapter in the lives of the protagonists.
- Sanyka (Egor Gubarev) has left behind his school days and is navigating the complexities of adult life. His budding romance with a girl named Alexandra (played by Alexandra Khromova) lends a romantic flair to the story, yet does little to mitigate everyday struggles, such as working in a local cassette stall.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have stepped into the daunting role of young parents. Vovka, ever the self-assured character, strives to support his family but often resorts to dubious methods.
- Ilya (Fedor Roschin), riddled with internal struggles, finds solace in physical self-improvement, which adds a layer of drama to his character arc.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) makes a surprising return to her hometown, not solo but accompanied by her fiancé Fedor Fedotov, catching her friends off guard.
Sanyka's family troubles also emerge as a pivotal thread. His mother Ksenia Katalykova finds herself in legal hot water due to financial fraud, while his father Stepan Devoin is desperately reaching out to a former partner, who turns out to be not what he seems.
Criminal Tula: A Whirlwind of Events
The writers have chosen to shed subtle hints in favor of a direct portrayal of Tula as the setting. Following events from the first two seasons, the city has undergone considerable changes: many significant figures from the criminal underworld have perished, prompting the creators to introduce new characters and even cleverly ‘resurrect’ some familiar faces.
Much to viewers’ surprise, Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko), whose deaths were previously deemed definitive, make an unexpected comeback. This time around, the writers have gone to great lengths to justify their survival, injecting intrigue and dynamism into the evolving plot.
Soundtrack: The Voice of an Era
The musical accompaniment remains one of the series' most formidable aspects. Composer Mudzus masterfully encapsulates the aura of an era that is both anxious and brimming with hope. Included in the mix are 90s hits that evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia. Notably, there's a focus on the album “Morskaya” by Mumiy Troll, which paradoxically releases one year earlier than its conceptual timeline suggests.
A Slow Start or Calm Before the Storm?
In contrast to earlier seasons, the third season kicks off with a relatively slow unfolding of events. However, an underlying tension is palpable from the very first episodes. The lingering question remains: will the creators maintain this pacing, or will they throw the characters into a whirlwind of exhilarating and perilous escapades, as has been the norm?
The third season of ‘World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!’ emerges as a quality continuation of the narrative that revolves around coming of age, the challenges of decision-making, and the spirit of the complex 90s. Despite the presence of some contentious plot choices, the series stands as one of the finest examples of contemporary Russian cinema. With its intrigue, pacing, and emotional resonance, it is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates drama layered with historical context.