Exploring the Maturation in Season Three of Friendship Series
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Rating: 8 out of 10
The series "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" has won the affection of viewers, striking a delicate balance between nostalgia for the tumultuous 1990s and an engaging, multi-layered plot. The third season, which premiered on the online platform Premier, plunges us once more into the atmosphere of provincial Russia in the mid-1990s, but now framed through the lens of the characters' maturation.
Characters Grow Up, Problems Become More Complex
At the heart of the narrative remains the energetic group of friends, who, despite the passage of two years, find themselves enmeshed in the most unexpected scenarios. Set during the summer of 1996, this season symbolically marks the onset of a new chapter in the lives of these characters.
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev), having left school behind, grapples with the challenges of adult life. His burgeoning romance with a girl (Alexandra Khamova) adds a romantic flair to the storyline, yet does little to shield him from daily hardships, such as working in a cassette shop.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have stepped into parenthood. Vovka, retaining his signature overconfidence, makes questionable decisions in his quest to provide for his family.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin), the character with a tumultuous inner world, now immerses himself in physical self-improvement, lending a dramatic edge to his persona.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) returns to her hometown not alone, but with a fiancé (Fyodor Fedotov), presenting an unexpected twist for her friends.
Sanka's family troubles take center stage as well. His mother (Ksenia Katalymova) faces arrest for financial improprieties, while his father (Stepan Devonin) clings to hope that a former partner might assist him, a situation that is far from straightforward.
Criminal Tula: A Whirlwind of Events
Writers have decisively eliminated subtle hints and openly identify Tula as the setting. Following the events of the first two seasons, the city undergoes transformations: many key figures in the criminal underworld have met their demise, prompting the creators to introduce new characters and even revive some familiar faces.
Fans of the show can look forward to the unexpected return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko), whose deaths in the previous season seemed definitive. This time, the writers have crafted a more believable justification for their survival, injecting intrigue and pace into the unfolding narrative.
Soundtrack: The Voice of a Generation
The musical backdrop continues to be one of the strongest elements of the series. The compositions by Mudzus artfully encapsulate the mood of an era that was simultaneously anxious and filled with hope. Additionally, beloved hits from the '90s evoke waves of nostalgia. Of particular note is the album "Marine" by the group "Mumiy Troll," which, although it appears one year earlier than in reality, plays a significant role in the season.
Slow Start or Calm Before the Storm?
In contrast to earlier seasons, the third installment begins with a relatively slow narrative pace. Nevertheless, a sense of tension is palpable from the very first episodes. The real question is whether the creators will maintain this rhythm or, as has become customary, throw the characters into a whirlwind of captivating and perilous adventures.
The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" stands out as a high-quality continuation of a narrative centered on maturation, the complexities of choices, and the resilient spirit of a challenging decade. Despite some contentious plot developments, the series remains one of the finest examples of contemporary Russian cinema. Intrigue, dynamism, and emotional depth make this show a must-watch for anyone who appreciates drama woven with historical significance.