Experience 90s Nostalgia in Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Main Cast: Yegor Gubarev, Valentina Lyapina, Yuri Borisov, Nikita Pavlenko, Evgeny Tkachenko, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
The long-awaited third season of the series Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! is here, continuing the beloved narrative that weaves together the lives of teenagers navigating the colorful yet tumultuous landscape of the 1990s. This time, the story unfolds during the summer of 1996, as the characters—having aged by a couple of years—confront a slew of new challenges and experiences.
Maturing Characters: A New Chapter in Life
The main characters may feel familiar, yet each has noticeably evolved over the two-year gap:
- Sanka (Yegor Gubarev) has graduated high school and is now making his living selling cassettes from a kiosk. As he steps into this new phase of life, he finds himself entangled in budding romantic relationships.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have embraced parenthood, with Vovka diving into dubious schemes to provide for his family.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin), who always marched to the beat of his own drum, now obsessively pursues physical perfection.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) arrives in town with her fiancé, delivering a surprise to her friends that they weren't quite prepared for.
Meanwhile, Sanka's parents are grappling with their own crises: his mother finds herself behind bars for financial misdeeds, while his father clings to the hope that Vitalik (Arthur Beschny) will rescue them once again by skirting the law.
A Rich Tapestry of Crime
The show's creators paint a vivid portrait of the criminal underbelly of Tula, offering a fresh perspective as the story delves into this gritty world. Though many key players in the crime scene met their demise in the second season, the writers breathe life into new characters while some of those previously thought to be gone make unexpected comebacks.
The reappearance of Alick (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko) stirs a mix of emotions among viewers. Their return evokes a sense of plausibility yet carries dramatic weight, adding complexity to the storyline. As always, the teenagers find themselves unwittingly caught in the crossfire of chaos, becoming entangled in the swirling currents of crime.
The Soundtrack — The Soul of the Series
Music plays an instrumental role, infusing the series with a distinct atmosphere that resonates deeply with audiences. The soundtrack features:
- Iconic hits from the 90s that transport viewers back to that vibrant era.
- Scintillating tracks by Mudzhus, echoing the anxious inspirations of the time.
- The album "Morskaya" by the band Mumiy Troll, which, according to the series' timeline, was released ahead of its actual time.
The careful selection of music enhances the emotional depth of the plotlines, reflecting the spirit of change and instability that characterized the 90s.
Dynamics and Intrigue: What to Expect in the Third Season?
At first glance, the early episodes of the third season seem to unfold at a slower pace compared to previous seasons, yet this is merely an illusion. Tension builds gradually with each scene, and soon enough, the show regains its familiar frenetic rhythm.
The writers skillfully teeter on the edge between absurdity and realism, compelling viewers to connect with the characters despite their flaws and poor choices. Will the series maintain its gripping intensity right through to the finale? Or are we in for another rollercoaster of hair-raising moments?
End: Why You Should Tune In
The third season of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! remains a standout gem in the realm of nostalgic cinema celebrating the 90s. It encapsulates:
- Vivid characters who have captured viewers' hearts with their authenticity and charm.
- An immersive atmosphere of the era brought to life through set designs, music, and costumes.
- A storyline that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, regardless of its lighthearted approach.
This season serves as yet another step in understanding that in the lives of its characters, "little is lived, but much is experienced." It comes highly recommended for anyone looking to revisit the 90s or simply indulge in a well-crafted Russian series.