Diving Deep into the 90s with 'World! Friendship! Chewing Gum'

The Russian series "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", which premiered its third season on May 4, 2023, on the PREMIER platform, continues to captivate audiences with its meticulous re-creation of the 1990s era. This retro drama captures the complexities of growing up, social dynamics, and romantic entanglements, reflecting the many trials, hopes, and tragedies of that turbulent period. Viewers can look forward to eight gripping episodes, each lasting 52 minutes, which promise to immerse them in a world brimming with intense emotions, tough choices, and unavoidable contradictions.

Narrative Arc: Love, Poverty, and the 90s

Set against the backdrop of 1996, a year marked by economic turmoil and social chaos, the new season follows Sanka Ryabin (portrayed by Yegor Gubarev) as he navigates a phase of personal transformation. Attempting to move on from his first love Zhenya (played by Valentina Lyapina), Sanka finds solace in a budding relationship with Ksyukha (performed by Alexander Khamova). The daughter of a former police officer, Ksyukha is a strong-willed girl passionate about music and the ideals of freedom, qualities that simultaneously attract and unsettle Sanka. Most of his days are spent working at a small kiosk filled with audio cassettes, where he dreams of brighter days ahead.

Meanwhile, his best friend Vovka (played by Yegor Abramov) grapples with the challenges of family life, which proves to be a trial even in more favorable times. Tension soars when Zhenya returns to town with her new fiancé, a man of modern sensibilities named Fedor Fedotov, stirring a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within Sanka.

Criminal Drama: From Despair to Hope

The series does not shy away from delving into criminal conflicts, which have become a hallmark of the genre. Sanka's former friend Alyk (portrayed by Yura Borisov) re-emerges, carrying a heavy emotional burden: he is free, yet his friend Vitek (played by Nikita Pavlenko) remains imprisoned. As the dynamics in the city shift, a new breed of criminals emerges, led by the chaotic Vasya (played by Evgeny Tkachenko), who adds layers of unpredictability to the already tense atmosphere.

Alyk, now inclined to take the path of goodness, strives to remain true to his values, even as circumstances pull him back toward the criminal underworld. Concurrently, Vovka stands at a crossroads, teetering between choosing an honest life or delving deeper into criminality.

Familial Turmoil: Prisons, Aspirations, and Broken Dreams

Sanka's mother (played by Ksenia Katalymova) finds herself in a remand prison, anxiously awaiting a trial that could lead to a decade behind bars. Her husband, Fedor (portrayed by Stepan Devinin), appears to be a hollow shell of a man, lacking any accompanying support for the family. Amidst these disheartening events, Sanka struggles to balance his emotions, responsibilities, and his longing for a better life.

Capturing the Essence of the 90s: Music, Set Design, and Nostalgia

One of the standout features of this series lies in its intricate attention to the details of the era. The soundtrack, which features 90s hits reimagined with contemporary arrangements, helps viewers immerse themselves further into the ambiance of the time. Every aspect, from set designs to costumes, meticulously recreates the realities of that period — a draw for audiences who came of age during those years.

Nostalgia serves as a potent connector across generations. For viewers over the age of 40, the series evokes vivid memories of youth, reminiscing about both challenging and unforgettable years. Young actors like Yegor Gubarev and Alexander Khamova successfully embody the spirit of the time, making their characters relatable and lively.

Screenplay Strengths and Weaknesses

While the atmosphere is undeniably captivating, the narrative occasionally teeters toward predictability. The writers (Alexander Belov, Pyotr Vnukov, Sergey Panasenkov, among others) lean on tried-and-true storytelling techniques: the return of an ex-lover, ethical dilemmas, and battles against inner demons. Nonetheless, this familiarity doesn’t detract from the emotional investment viewers feel as they root for the characters and follow their journeys.

The absence of an original plot is effectively overshadowed by genuine emotional engagement, while the criminal elements inject tension into the narrative. This aspect is particularly appealing for fans of series like "Brigada", who relish such thrilling components.

Cast and Direction

The casting deserves notable mention. Actors such as Yura Borisov, Yegor Gubarev, Alexander Khamova, and Evgeny Tkachenko each contribute significantly to enriching their character portrayals. Director Anton Fyodorov skillfully balances nostalgia, drama, and pace, crafting a series that grips viewers from start to finish.

The End: A Narrative that Resonates

The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to explore themes of maturation, love, friendship, and social injustice. Despite some shortcomings in the screenplay, the series remains a vivid reflection of the past, unleashing a torrent of emotions within its viewers. This narrative manages to be both easily digestible and deeply moving, making it a show one can return to time and again.

For those seeking more than mere entertainment, the series invites audiences to look back into the past, recall their youthful ambitions, and draw lessons for the present.