Dive into Season Three of 'World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'

"World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" — Season Three: How Little Has Been Lived, How Much Has Been Experienced

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

The third season of the beloved series "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" has finally arrived, picking up the threads of a nostalgic narrative surrounding the lives of teenagers from the 90s. This time, the story takes us to the summer of 1996, where the characters have aged by two years and are confronted with fresh challenges and trials that come with the territory of young adulthood.

Growing Up: A New Chapter

Although the principal characters remain the same, the passage of two years has wrought significant changes in their lives:

• Sanka (Yegor Gubarev) has graduated from high school and is now making a living selling cassette tapes at a kiosk. A new chapter begins for him as he navigates budding romantic relationships with a new girlfriend.
• Vovka (Yegor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have embraced parenthood, which leads Vovka to venture into dubious business dealings, motivated by a desire to provide for his family.
• Ilya (Fedor Roshchin), who was always considered a bit odd, now seeks physical perfection, showcasing a transformation that adds layers to his character.
• Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) arrives in town with her fiancé, a twist that takes her friends by surprise and changes the dynamics of their group.

Meanwhile, Sanka’s parents are embroiled in personal dramas of their own: his mother lands in prison due to financial crimes, while his father clings to the hope that their troubles will be alleviated by VITALIK (Arthur Beschatny), a character notorious for straddling the line between legality and crime.

The Intriguing Criminal Underbelly

The series unearths the criminal landscape of Tula, presenting it from a fresh perspective. Although many key players from the previous season’s underworld have met their demise, the screenwriters introduce new characters who enrich the storyline, while some presumed-dead figures manage to resurface, adding layers of intrigue.

The return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko) elicits a complex range of emotions. Their reincarnation seems more plausible this time around, yet it remains a dramatic narrative twist. As always, the young protagonists find themselves at the heart of tumultuous events, unwittingly becoming entangled in a whirlpool of criminal activity.

A Soundtrack That Defines the Series

Music plays an integral role once again, creating a unique atmosphere that resonates with the series' narrative. The soundtrack features:

• Iconic hits from the 90s that transport viewers back to that era, stirring nostalgia with every note.
• Music by Mudzhus, capturing the anxious inspiration characteristic of the time period.
• The album "Morskaya" by the group "Mumiy Troll," which, within the series' timeline, is set to have been released prior to its actual date.

The musical accompaniment enriches emotional depth within the narrative arcs, echoing the spirit of transformation and instability prevalent in the 90s.

Tension and Intrigue: What to Expect from Season Three?

The opening episodes of this season might appear slow-paced compared to the previous installments, but that’s merely a surface perception. The tension mounts with every scene, and soon enough, the familiar rapid-fire pace that fans adore returns.

The writers once again dance on the edge of absurdity and realism, compelling viewers to empathize with the characters despite their flaws and misjudgments. Will the series manage to sustain this tension until the very end? Or can we anticipate another round of dizzying escapades?

The End: Why You Should Tune In

Season three of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to shine as one of the most vivid examples of nostalgic cinematography reflecting the 90s. It skillfully intertwines:

• A colorful cast of characters that viewers have come to love for their authenticity and charisma.
• An evocative atmosphere of the era, brilliantly conveyed through set design, music, and costumes.
• A plot that consistently maintains suspense, despite its ease of presentation.

This season offers another step toward understanding that in the lives of these characters, "little has been lived, yet so much has been experienced." It comes highly recommended for anyone wishing to relive the 90s or simply enjoy a quality Russian drama.