Exploring Season Three of 'World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Cast: Yegor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fedor Roshchin, Evgeny Tkachek, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
Summer of 1996: What's New?
The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transports viewers back to 1996, retaining the same central characters but illustrating their growth and maturity. Set in the city of Tula, this season unfolds two years after the events of the second season, where the protagonists, who were once carefree teenagers, now wrestle with the complexities of adult life. Themes of family responsibilities, dubious ventures, and even imprisonment become intertwined with an unending struggle for survival and happiness.
Key Plotlines:
- Sanka (Yegor Gubarev): Having completed his schooling, Sanka is trying to leap into adulthood by working at a market and navigating a new romantic relationship.
- Vovka and Malaya (Yegor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): Transitioning into parenthood, the new father grapples with the responsibility of supporting his family, which leads him down risky paths.
- Ilya (Fedor Roshchin): Now interested in sports and weightlifting, Ilya’s new hobby adds layers of humor to his character.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Zhenya returns to town with her fiancé, stirring up emotions of surprise and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanka's Mother: Facing imprisonment due to fraud, Sanka’s father strives to maintain the family's unity amid turmoil.
Simultaneously, the plot weaves a criminal storyline into the fabric of the city. The creators boldly set Tula as the backdrop. The previous seasons' limited criminal portrayals are expanded, bringing in fresh characters. Even presumed-dead characters, Alyk and Vityok, make a return with more believable explanations for their survival.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
As has been customary, music plays a pivotal role in establishing the season's atmosphere. The soundtrack not only features beloved hits from the 90s but also includes original compositions created specifically for the series. Notably, the album "Marine" by the band "Mumiy Troll," despite its earlier debut in the show, captures the essence of this transformative era. Musical interludes enhance key scenes, amplifying their emotional weight.
Attention to Detail
The visual aesthetics and script meticulously resurrect the 90s. Each frame immerses the audience into the decade, showcasing everything from street markets to fashion trends and everyday struggles. This blending of the personal and social creates a vibrant snapshot of life during that time.
Characters That Are Hard to Let Go
The characters’ journeys in the third season are rich with experiences. The creators skillfully navigate between comedy and drama, highlighting the clash of youthful carefreeness with the harsh realities of growing up. The performances are compelling, with Yegor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov standing out for their ability to imbue their roles with depth and authenticity.
Drawbacks and Controversial Points
Some viewers might find the season’s beginning to drag a bit. While a slow build often intensifies the tension, in this case, it might frustrate those eager for immediate action.
The return of certain characters previously thought dead, while logical within the narrative, can sometimes feel like a contrived plot device to restore balance instead of an organic progression of the story.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to captivate with its authenticity and emotional depth. The writers adeptly tackle essential themes of maturation, family, and friendship while ensuring that fundamentally, their project remains a human story. Despite some contentious aspects, this new season merits attention owing to its careful direction, strong acting, and skill in invoking nostalgia for a bygone era.
Highly recommended for viewing by anyone who appreciates depth and sincerity paired with the vibrant atmosphere of the 90s.