Exploring the Emotional Tides of 'World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!' Season 3
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Rating: 8 out of 10
The beloved series "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" has long captured the hearts of viewers through its delicate balance of nostalgia for the tumultuous '90s and an engaging, multi-layered storyline. The premiere of its third season on the streaming platform Premier plunges audiences back into the ambiance of provincial Russia in the mid-'90s, but this time, it does so through the lens of the characters' coming-of-age experiences.
Growing Up: Characters Mature, Complications Increase
At the very heart of the action is a lively group of friends who, despite the passage of two years, still find themselves embroiled in the most unexpected situations. Set against the backdrop of the summer of 1996, which marks a symbolic turn in the lives of our protagonists, the narratives explore the challenges that come with maturation.
- Sanya (Egor Gubarev) has left school behind and seeks to navigate the complexities of adult life. His burgeoning relationship with a girl (Alexandra Khromova) adds a romantic flair to the tale, yet it doesn't shield him from the daily tribulations of working at a cassette stall.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukham) have embraced the role of young parents. Vovka, with his characteristic bravado, strives to provide for his family but resorts to questionable methods in the process.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin), a character wrestling with his inner turmoil, is now devoted to physical self-improvement, adding layers of drama to his persona.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) returns to her hometown, not alone but accompanied by her fiancé (Fyodor Fedotov), a twist that surprises her friends.
The family troubles surrounding Sanya's life take center stage as well. His mother (Ksenia Katalymova) faces arrest due to financial misconduct while his father (Stepan Devonin) looks to an old partner for support, who may not be what he seems.
Criminal Tula: A Whirlwind of Events
The writers boldly abandon subtlety and directly showcase Tula as the setting for the action. Following the events of the prior two seasons, the city undergoes transformations; many pivotal figures in the criminal underworld have met their demise, prompting the creators to introduce new characters and even "resurrect" some from the past.
Viewers can anticipate the unexpected return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko), whose demises in the earlier season appeared final. This time, the writers have crafted a more plausible narrative for their survival, enriching the story with intrigue and vitality.
Soundtrack: The Voice of an Era
The musical accompaniment continues to be one of the series' strongest attributes. The compositions of Mujus deftly convey the essence of an anxious yet hopeful era. Hits from the '90s infuse a sense of nostalgia, with special attention given to the album "Sea" by the band "Mumiy Troll," which, contrary to actual chronology, is set to release a year early in the narrative.
A Slow Start or a Calm Before the Storm?
In contrast to its predecessors, the third season commences with a relatively slow progression of events. However, the tension is palpable from the very first episodes. The question remains whether the creators will maintain this pace or, as they have in the past, immerse the characters in a whirlwind of thrilling and perilous escapades.
Final Thoughts
The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" stands as a high-quality continuation of the narrative surrounding maturation, tough choices, and the spirit of the challenging '90s. Despite some controversial plot decisions, the series remains one of the finest examples of modern Russian cinema. Intrigue, dynamic storytelling, and emotional depth make this show a must-watch for anyone who appreciates drama wrapped in historical context.