Exploring the New Season of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum
The Russian series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", which premiered its third season on May 4, 2023, on the PREMIER platform, continues to mesmerize audiences with its intricate portrayal of the 1990s era. This retro drama captures not just a coming-of-age tale, but also serves as a social commentary and a romantic saga, reflecting the myriad complexities, aspirations, and tragedies of the era. With eight episodes each running approximately 52 minutes, viewers are promised an immersive experience laden with vivid emotions, tough choices, and unavoidable contradictions.
Plotline: Love, Poverty, and the 90s
Set against the chaotic backdrop of 1996, a time when the country grappled with economic disarray and social turmoil, the story follows the central character, Sanya Ryabinin (Egor Gubarev). In this personal transformation, Sanya attempts to navigate the pangs of lost love as he seeks to move on from Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina), his first flame. Comfort arrives in the form of a new character, Ksyukha (Alexandra Kromova), the spirited daughter of a former police officer, whose passion for music and advocacy for freedom captivate and intimidate Sanya simultaneously. His days are spent at a small kiosk selling audio cassettes, dreaming of a better tomorrow.
Meanwhile, his friend Vovka (Egor Abramov) strives to balance the difficult demands of married life, which proves to be a formidable challenge even in more stable times. The narrative tension escalates dramatically with Zhenya's return to town, now accompanied by a new suitor (Fedor Fedotov), stirring a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within Sanya.
Criminal Drama: From Despair to Hope
The series doesn't shy away from the gritty realities of the time, marked by the presence of crime and gang confrontations that became a hallmark of the genre. Sanya's former friend, Alik (Yura Borisov), resurfaces alive but burdened by a troubled conscience; while he enjoys his newfound freedom, Vitek (Nikita Pavlenko) remains behind bars. The landscape of the city shifts with the emergence of new gangsters, who impose their own rules, led by the asthmatic Vasya (Evgeny Tkachenko), who only amplifies the chaos.
In a bid to turn his life around, Alik grapples with the temptation to revert to his previous ways, even as the circumstances conspire to pull him back into the criminal underbelly. Concurrently, Vovka finds himself teetering on the edge of a breakdown, faced with the choice between remaining an innocent bystander or plunging into the underworld.
Family Dramas: Prison, Hope, and Broken Dreams
Sanya's mother (Ksenia Katalymova) is in pre-trial detention, anxiously awaiting a verdict that could imprison her for a decade. Her husband, Fyodor (Stepan Devonin), provides no support, appearing as a listless shadow devoid of purpose. Amidst these familial challenges, Sanya struggles to find a middle ground between his emotional needs, obligations, and desire for a brighter future.
The 90s Atmosphere: Music, Set Design, and Nostalgia
One of the series' notable strengths is its meticulous attention to the details of the era. The soundtrack, featuring iconic hits from the 90s arranged in modern styles, deepens the immersive experience for viewers. Every detail, from the set designs to the costumes, vividly recreates the realities of that time, evoking nostalgia especially for audiences who reminisce about their own youthful days.
Nostalgia serves as a bridge across generations, with the program awakening memories for those in their forties of a tumultuous yet unforgettable youth. Young actors like Egor Gubarev and Alexandra Kromova embody the spirit of the decade, bringing their characters to life in ways that resonate deeply with the viewers.
Script Weaknesses and Strengths
Despite its captivating atmosphere, the series is not without its shortcomings in the script department. The writers (Alexander Belov, Pyotr Vnukov, Sergey Panasenkov, among others) often rely on familiar tropes: the return of the old flame, ethical dilemmas, and the struggle with inner demons. Nevertheless, this does not detract from the audience's engagement with the characters and their journeys.
While the lack of an original narrative can be felt, the emotional investment of the viewers compensates for this shortcoming, with the criminal element injecting an extra layer of tension. Fans of series like "Brigada" will appreciate this aspect.
Cast and Direction
The impressive ensemble cast features outstanding performances by Yura Borisov, Egor Gubarev, Alexandra Kromova, and Evgeny Tkachenko, each contributing to the depth of character development. Director Anton Fyodorov skillfully navigates the corridors of nostalgia, drama, and dynamic storytelling, crafting a viewing experience that captivates continuously from start to finish.
End: A Gripping Narrative
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to explore themes of growing up, love, friendship, and social injustice. Despite its script flaws, the series remains a vivid reflection of the era, evoking a wave of emotions among the audience. This narrative strikes a balance between being easily digestible and profoundly moving, making it a show worth re-watching.
For those seeking more than mere entertainment, the series invites viewers to look into the past, cherish their youthful aspirations, and draw lessons about the present.