Exploring the 90s in Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!
Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! – A Nostalgic Look at the 90s: What Surprises Await in the Third Season?
The Russian series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", which premiered its third season on May 4, 2023, on the PREMIER platform, continues to captivate audiences with its finely-tuned portrayal of the 1990s era. This retro drama is not just a chronicle of coming-of-age tales; it also serves as a social commentary and a romantic saga, encapsulating the myriad challenges, aspirations, and heartaches of that tumultuous period. The eight episodes, each lasting 52 minutes, promise to immerse viewers in a world brimming with vivid emotions, difficult choices, and inevitable contradictions.
Plotline: Love, Poverty, and the 90s
Set in 1996, the latest season unfolds amidst the economic and social turmoil that gripped the nation. The protagonist, Sanya Ryabin (played by Egor Gubarev), finds himself at a crossroads in his life, battling to put behind him the memory of his first love, Zhenya (performed by Valentina Lyapina), while ultimately seeking solace in the company of a new character, Ksyukha (brought to life by Alexandra Khromova). As the daughter of a former police officer, Ksyukha is a spirited individual, engrossed in music and championing freedom, a combination that both intimidates and attracts Sanya. His routine involves working at a cassette kiosk, where dreams of a brighter future dance just out of reach.
Meanwhile, Sanya's friend Vovka (played by Egor Abramov) struggles to navigate the complexities of family life, a task that proves challenging even in the best of times. The plot thickens when Zhenya returns to town, now engaged to a new-age suitor, Fedor Fedotov, igniting a storm of conflicting emotions within Sanya and his friends.
Criminal Drama: From Despair to Hope
The storyline also dives into the murky waters of gang conflicts, which have become synonymous with the genre. Sanya's ex-friend Alik (played by Yura Borisov) re-emerges, alive yet burdened by a troubled past: he enjoys his freedom while Vitek (depicted by Nikita Pavlenko) remains incarcerated. The city's landscape transforms as the new breed of gangsters establishes their own rules, under the chaotic leadership of the asthmatic Vasya (played by Evgeny Tkachev).
As Alik attempts to turn over a new leaf by sticking to his principles, he grapples with the forces dragging him back into the criminal underbelly. Concurrently, Vovka finds himself teetering on the edge, grappling with the dilemma of staying on the sidelines or plunging headfirst into the world of crime.
Family Dramas: Jail, Hopes, and Shattered Dreams
In a poignant twist, Sanya's mother (played by Ksenia Katalymova) finds herself detained in a detention center, awaiting a trial that could impose a decade behind bars. Meanwhile, her husband, Fyodor (portrayed by Stepan Devonin), remains a listless and ineffective figure, devoid of any real support for the family. Amidst this backdrop, Sanya strives to strike a delicate balance between his emotions, obligations, and aspirations for a brighter future.
The 90s Atmosphere: Music, Set Design, and Nostalgia
One of the most compelling aspects of the series is its meticulous attention to the details of the 90s. The soundtrack features chart-topping hits from the era, all given modern arrangements, enriching the viewing experience by transporting audiences back in time. Minute details — from the set design to the costumes — recreate the realities of that decade, making it especially appealing to those who came of age during those years.
Nostalgia emerges as a key element, bridging generations. For viewers over 40, the series awakens memories of youth, reminding them of both the hardships faced and the unforgettable moments lived. The youthful actors, including Egor Gubarev and Alexandra Khromova, capture the spirit of the time, rendering their characters relatable and lifelike.
Script Weaknesses and Strengths
Despite the enchanting atmosphere, the show's script tends to be a tad predictable. The writers, Alexander Belov, Petr Vnukov, Sergey Panasenkov, and others, fall back on tried-and-true narrative devices: the return of a lost love, moral dilemmas, and a struggle against internal demons. Nonetheless, this predictability does not diminish the viewer's investment in the characters and their journeys.
The absence of a groundbreaking plot is balanced out by the emotional engagement punctuated by the crime elements, ensuring that fans of series like "Brigada" will find something to appreciate.
Cast and Direction
The cast is another highlight of the show. Actors such as Yura Borisov, Egor Gubarev, Alexandra Khromova, and Evgeny Tkachev contribute their unique talents to create multidimensional characters. Director Anton Fyodorov expertly weaves together nostalgia, drama, and dynamic storytelling to produce a series that grips viewers from start to finish.
Culmination: A Resonant Tale
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to delve into themes of maturation, love, friendship, and social injustice. While the script may have its shortcomings, the series emerges as a vibrant reflection of the era, provoking a whirlwind of emotions among its audience. This story is both easily digestible and deeply moving, making it a compelling watch time and again.
For those seeking more than mere entertainment, the series offers a chance to reflect on the past, revisit personal youthful dreams, and derive lessons relevant to the present.