Exploring Season Three of 'World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
Review of Season Three of the Series "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!": "How Little Has Been Lived, How Much Has Been Experienced"
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fyodor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkachuk, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
Summer of 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" takes viewers back to the summer of 1996, maintaining the beloved central characters while aging them, giving them new experiences and struggles. Set in the city of Tula, the season explores significant changes that have transpired over the two years following the events of the previous season. Our protagonists, once teenagers, now grapple with adult responsibilities encompassing family duties, questionable ventures, and the harsh reality of incarceration, all interwoven with their unyielding quest for survival and happiness.
Key Plotlines:
- Sanya (Egor Gubarev): Having graduated from school, he attempts to embark on adulthood by working at the market and navigating a budding romance with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Guhman): Now parents, the young father strives to provide for his family, entangling himself in perilous schemes to make ends meet.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin): His newfound obsession with weights and sports adds an extra layer of comedic mishaps to his character.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): A shocking return to the city with her fiancé stirs feelings of surprise and envy among friends.
- Sanya's Mother: She finds herself behind bars due to fraudulent activities, leaving her husband clinging to hope for his displaced family.
Concurrently, a criminal narrative unfolds within the city. The writers candidly set Tula as the story's backdrop. Due to a noticeable reduction of crime-related figures in earlier seasons, fresh characters emerge, and previously presumed deceased characters, Alik and Vitek, reappear with more plausible plot developments.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
Music remains an integral component in establishing the show's atmosphere. The soundtrack features not only iconic hits from the '90s but also original compositions created specifically for the series. The album "Morskaya" by the group "Mumiy Troll," although released earlier than its actual premiere, has become a hallmark of this revitalized era. The musical interludes accentuate pivotal scenes, enhancing their emotional heft.
Attention to Detail
The visual aesthetics and script meticulously recreate the essence of the 1990s. Every frame immerses viewers in the past: from street stalls to trendy fashion statements and commonplace struggles. The personal intertwines with the societal, crafting a unified portrayal of life during that time.
Characters You Can’t Help but Love
The characters' journeys in the third season are packed with events. The creators deftly navigate the line between comedy and drama, highlighting the clash between youthful carefree attitudes and the stark realities of growing up. The performances are striking, with particular praise reserved for Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who imbue their characters with authenticity and depth.
Drawbacks and Controversial Points
Some viewers might find the season's opening a bit slow. While pacing that builds tension can often be engaging, here it risks wearing down those who were eager for immediate thrills.
The return of characters previously thought deceased, while logically fitting and explained, may sometimes come across as a narrative device aimed at restoring balance rather than a seamless continuation of the story's arc.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to impress with its authenticity and emotional richness. The writers skillfully address crucial themes of growing up, familial bonds, and friendship while remaining dedicated to showcasing the human experience. Despite some debatable elements, the new season deserves attention for its high-quality direction, impressive cast performances, and a palpable sense of nostalgia for a bygone era.
Recommended for Viewing to anyone who values depth and sincerity paired with the vibrant essence of the 1990s.