Exploring Season Three of Democracy, Friendship, Chewing Gum!
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Starring: Yegor Gubarev, Valentina Lyapina, Yuri Borisov, Nikita Pavlenko, Evgeny Tkachuk, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
The much-anticipated third season of Democracy, Friendship, Chewing Gum! has finally arrived, bringing back beloved characters and their poignant tales of adolescence set in the vibrant 1990s. This installment unfolds during the summer of 1996, showcasing how the characters have navigated the passage of two years—each facing fresh challenges and trials in their lives.
The Characters’ Evolution: A New Chapter in Life
The familiar faces reappear, yet the time away has influenced their lives significantly:
- Sanka (Yegor Gubarev) has graduated from high school and now finds himself selling cassette tapes in a bustling kiosk. His journey enters an exciting new phase, complete with budding romantic feelings for a new girlfriend.
- Vovka (Yegor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) embrace parenthood. As Vovka wrestles to provide a life for his family, he finds himself entangled in questionable escapades.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roschin), who has always danced to the beat of his own drum, now seeks physical perfection in his often eccentric endeavors.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) returns to town with her fiancé, a surprise that shakes her friends' world.
Meanwhile, Sanka's parents are embroiled in their own personal dramas: his mother ends up in prison due to financial wrongdoings, while his father clings to hope, believing that Vitalik (Artur Beschatny), a figure teetering on the edge of legality, will rescue them from their plight.
A Tapestry of Crime: Unfolding Stories
The creators dive into the criminal underbelly of Tula, painting a landscape both vivid and raw. Many notable figures from the previous season's crime narrative have met their demise, yet fresh characters emerge, and some presumed lost are resurrected in a way that invites both intrigue and skepticism.
The return of Alick (Yuri Borisov) and Vityok (Nikita Pavlenko) stirs mixed emotions among the audience. Their reappearance, though seemingly plausible, plays out as a dramatic twist—once again, the teenage protagonists find themselves trapped in the whirlpool of criminal chaos.
Soundtrack: The Heartbeat of the Series
Music takes center stage once more, offering a unique lifeblood that enriches the series’ atmosphere. The soundtrack features:
- Chart-topping hits from the 90s, immersing the audience deep within the era.
- The energetic melodies of Mujus, evoking a sense of unease reflective of the times.
- The album "Sea" by Umka Troll, cleverly woven into the storyline, which in reality debuted a bit later.
The musical score not only provides an emotional backdrop to the unfolding narratives but also resonates deeply with the fleeting spirit of change and instability that defined the 90s.
Dynamic Tension and Intrigue: What Lies Ahead?
Initially, the opening episodes of the third season may appear to unfold at a slower pace compared to earlier installments—this, however, is a deceptive flush of calm before an inevitable storm. The underlying tension thickens with every scene, leading swiftly back to the brisk rhythm that fans have come to know.
The writers masterfully toe the line between surrealism and reality, invoking empathy for the characters despite their flaws and mistakes. Will the series maintain this charged atmosphere throughout the conclusion? Or are we in for a rollercoaster of sensational developments ahead?
Finale: Why It’s a Must-Watch
Season three of Democracy, Friendship, Chewing Gum! stands as a testament to the nostalgic cinema of the 90s, blending elements that make it captivating:
- Vivid characters whose authenticity and charisma have drawn viewers in.
- A recreation of the era’s atmosphere through meticulous set designs, music selection, and wardrobe choices.
- A gripping storyline that ensures viewers remain on the edge of their seats, despite its lighthearted delivery.
This season serves as a powerful reminder that in their lives, the characters have experienced "little living, but much feeling." It comes highly recommended for those longing to revisit the 90s or anyone seeking a quality Russian television series.