Discovering the Third Season of 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! – A Nostalgic Look at the 90s: What Surprises Lie in the Third Season?
The Russian series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" made its grand return with the premiere of its third season on May 4, 2023, on the PREMIER streaming platform. This series continues to enchant viewers by presenting a finely-tuned recreation of the 1990s era. It acts as a compelling retelling—a coming-of-age narrative intertwined with social commentary and romantic drama that encapsulates the complexities, dreams, and tragedies of that tumultuous time. With eight riveting episodes, each running approximately 52 minutes, the series promises to plunge audiences into a world brimming with vivid emotions, challenging decisions, and inherent contradictions.
A Narrative of Love, Poverty, and the 90s
Set against the backdrop of 1996, a year marked by economic instability and social turmoil, the storyline revolves around Sanya Ryabin (played by Yegor Gubarev) as he navigates a phase of personal transformation. Sanya strives to move on from Zhenya (acted by Valentina Lyapina), his first love, while finding solace in a new relationship with Ksyusha (brought to life by Alexandra Kromova). Ksyusha, the daughter of a former police officer, is portrayed as a free-spirited girl with a fierce personality who is passionate about music; this combination of traits both intimidates and fascinates Sanya. His daily grind unfolds in a small stall selling audio cassettes, where he dreams of a brighter future.
As the narrative unfolds, we witness his friend Vovka (played by Yegor Abramov) grappling with the harsh realities of family life, a challenge even during more stable times. The story reaches a boiling point when Zhenya re-enters the scene alongside her fiancé of the new generation (Fedor Fedotov), stirring a whirlwind of conflicting emotions within the characters.
A Criminal Drama: From Despair to Hope
The season does not shy away from the gritty underbelly of crime that marked the decade. Sanya’s former friend, Alik (portrayed by Yura Borisov), appears on the scene, carrying the heavy burden of his survival—he's free while Vitek (acted by Nikita Pavlenko) remains incarcerated. The city’s climate is evolving, with new gangsters operating under their own set of rules, their leader being the asthmatic Vasya (played by Evgeny Tkachuk), injecting further chaos into the mix.
Alik, determined to pursue the path of righteousness, struggles to hold on to his principles, despite the gravitational pull back towards a life of crime. Meanwhile, Vovka finds himself at a crossroads, faced with a pivotal decision: remain an observer or dive headfirst into the murky waters of the criminal underworld.
Familial Struggles: Prison, Hope, and Shattered Dreams
Adding layers to the narrative, Sanya’s mother (played by Ksenia Katalymova) is incarcerated, awaiting a trial that looms ominously over the family—with a potential ten-year sentence hanging in the balance. Sanya’s father, Fedor (portrayed by Stepan Devonin), is depicted as a dull and ineffective figure, devoid of any support for his family. Against this backdrop, Sanya contends with the juggling act of his emotions, responsibilities, and aspirations for a better life.
The 1990s Vibe: Music, Decor, and Nostalgia
One of the show's notable strengths is its meticulous attention to the era's details. The soundtrack, featuring iconic hits from the 90s in modern arrangements, wraps the viewers in a nostalgic embrace that deepens their connection to the series. From the intricately designed sets to the costumes, each element vividly portrays the realities of that time, especially appealing to those who lived through it.
Nostalgia becomes a powerful unifying thread across generations. For audiences aged 40 and over, the series evokes memories of their youth—those complex yet unforgettable years. Young actors like Yegor Gubarev and Alexandra Kromova effectively convey the essence of the time, bringing to life characters that resonate with viewers.
Script Weaknesses and Strengths
However, while the atmosphere captivates, the script itself can be somewhat predictable. The writers—Alexander Belov, Pyotr Vnukov, Sergey Panasenkov, and others—lean on established tropes: the return of a former love, moral dilemmas, and battles with one's inner demons. Despite this, viewers are still drawn to the characters and their journeys.
The lack of an innovative plotline is compensated for by the emotional investment the audience feels, and the criminal elements inject an added layer of intrigue. Fans of series like "Brigada" will find much to appreciate here.
Cast and Directorial Brilliance
The casting is commendable, showcasing talents such as Yura Borisov, Yegor Gubarev, Alexandra Kromova, and Evgeny Tkachuk, each contributing significantly to the depth of their roles. Under the expert direction of Anton Fyodorov, a delicate balance is maintained between nostalgia, drama, and pacing, resulting in a viewing experience that grips the audience from start to finish.
Finale: A Story that Grabs You
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to expand upon themes of growth, love, camaraderie, and social injustice. Despite its screenplay shortcomings, the series remains a vivid reflection of its era, invoking strong emotions among viewers. This tale strikes a chord, being both easy to digest and deeply moving, making it the kind of show you can return to time and again.
For those seeking more than mere entertainment, the series invites viewers to reflect on the past, revisit their youthful dreams, and draw insights relevant to the present.