Exploring Season Three of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Rating: 8 out of 10
The show "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" has firmly nestled itself in the hearts of viewers, artfully navigating between the nostalgic waves of the tumultuous '90s and an engaging, multilayered storyline. The much-anticipated third season, which premiered on the online platform Premier, plunges us once more into the vibrant milieu of provincial Russia in the mid-'90s, yet does so through the transformative lens of the main characters' maturation.
Characters Mature, Problems Intensify
At the center of the action is the ever-restless group of friends, who, despite the passage of two years, find themselves embroiled in unexpected situations. The narrative unfolds during the summer of 1996, symbolically heralding a new chapter in their lives.
- Sanka (Yegor Gubarev) has moved past his schooling days, now grappling with the complexities of adulthood. His budding romance with a girl (Alexandra Khamova) adds a touch of romance, but it doesn’t spare him from daily challenges, such as working in a cassette shop.
- Vovka (Yegor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) have stepped into the role of young parents. Vovka, maintaining his trademark overconfidence, attempts to provide for his family through questionable means.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin), a character with a tumultuous inner world, is now engrossed in physical self-improvement, which infuses his narrative with an added layer of drama.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) returns to her hometown not alone, but with a fiancé (Fyodor Fedotov), a twist that takes her friends by surprise.
Sanka's familial troubles also take center stage, especially with his mother (Ksenia Katalymova) facing arrest for financial wrongdoings, while his father (Stepan Devonin) seeks help from a former associate, who may not be the ally he appears to be.
Criminal Tula: A Whirlwind of Events
The writers, opting to drop subtle hints, overtly establish Tula as the setting for this season. Following the events of the previous two seasons, the city undergoes notable transformations: many key figures from the criminal underworld have perished, prompting creators to introduce new characters and even resurrect some familiar faces.
Viewers can expect the unexpected return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko), whose demises in the last season seemed definitive. This time, the writers skillfully craft a plausible rationale for their survival, enriching the intrigue and dynamism of the plot.
Soundtrack: The Voice of an Era
The musical score continues to stand out as one of the series' greatest strengths. The compositions by Mujus masterfully encapsulate the mood of an era characterized by uncertainty yet brimming with hope. Nostalgia kicks in as iconic hits from the '90s echo throughout the episodes, particularly spotlighting the album "Sea" by the band "Mumiy Troll," which, despite its historical inaccuracies, appears a year ahead of its time.
A Slow Start or the Calm Before the Storm?
Differing from its predecessors, the third season kicks off with a relatively slow pace. However, tension is palpable from the opening episodes. The burning question remains: will the writers maintain this rhythm, or will they, as has often been the case, plunge the characters into a whirlwind of thrilling and perilous escapades?
The third season of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" is a commendable continuation of a narrative exploring the themes of coming of age, the difficulties of choice, and the spirit of the challenging '90s. Despite some contentious story decisions, the series remains a stellar example of contemporary Russian cinema. The blend of intrigue, dynamic storytelling, and emotional depth makes this series a must-watch for anyone who appreciates drama intertwined with historical context.