Exploring the 90s in 'World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!' Season 3
The much-anticipated third season of the Russian series "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" made its debut on May 4, 2023, on the PREMIER platform, continuing to captivate audiences with its rich portrayal of the dramatic 1990s. This retro drama serves as not just a coming-of-age story but also a significant social commentary and an exploration of romantic complexities, encapsulating the hopes and heartaches of a tumultuous era. With eight episodes, each lasting approximately 52 minutes, viewers are set to immerse themselves in a narrative bursting with vivid emotions, challenging decisions, and inevitable contradictions.
Plot Overview: Love, Poverty, and the 90s
The new season unfolds in 1996, a time when Russia was grappling with economic and social upheaval. At the heart of the story is Sanyka Ryabinin, portrayed by Yegor Gubarev, who is in the midst of personal transformation. He is trying to move past Zhenya (acted by Valentina Lyapina), his first love, while seeking solace in a budding relationship with Ksyukha (played by Aleksandra Kromova). The daughter of a former police officer, Ksyukha is an enchanting character, vibrant and music-obsessed, embodying a spirit of freedom that both terrifies and enthralls Sanyka. Picture Sanyka hanging out at a cassette stand, where he dreams of a brighter future amidst the backdrop of struggling for survival.
As the plot thickens, his friend Vovka (played by Yegor Abramov) battles the challenges of marital life, which proves to be a test even in better times. Tensions rise dramatically when Zhenya returns to town, now engaged to a new man (Fedor Fedotov), stirring conflicting emotions within Sanyka.
Criminal Drama: Despair Meets Hope
True to the essence of the genre, the season doesn't shy away from the criminal underbelly of the time. Sanyka's former friend, Alik (portrayed by Yura Borisov), reemerges alive but burdened with heavy regrets: he is free while Vitek (played by Nikita Pavlenko) remains incarcerated. The shifting dynamics in the city reveal a new breed of gangsters, living by their own set of ruthless rules, with their leader, the asthmatic Vasya (played by Evgeny Tkachuk), elevating the chaos to new levels.
Alik, determined to choose the path of righteousness, finds it increasingly difficult to stick to his principles as he is pulled back into the criminal vortex. At the same time, Vovka stands at a precipice, grappling with whether to remain an observer or dive headfirst into the shadowy world of crime.
Family Dramas: Prison, Hope, and Shattered Dreams
Family turmoil adds another layer of intrigue as Sanyka’s mother (Ksenia Katalymova) languishes in a detention facility, awaiting a court decision that could seal her fate with a potential ten-year sentence. In stark contrast, Sanyka's father, Fedor (played by Stepan Devonin), emerges as a feckless character, lacking the assertiveness needed to support his family. Against this dark family backdrop, Sanyka strives to balance his emotions, obligations, and aspirations for a brighter future.
The 1990s Vibe: Music, Set Design, and Nostalgia
One of the series’ standout features is its meticulous attention to period detail. The soundtrack, rich with 90s hits reimagined in contemporary arrangements, solidifies the immersive experience for viewers. Every element, from the set pieces to wardrobe choices, captures the essence of that distinctive era, offering a compelling draw for audiences who came of age during those formative years.
Nostalgia permeates the narrative, serving as a bridge between generations. For viewers over 40, the series stirs memories of their youth, evoking images of complex yet unforgettable years. Young actors like Yegor Gubarev and Aleksandra Kromova breathe life into their characters, creating relatable portrayals that resonate deeply.
Script Strengths and Weaknesses
Despite its appealing ambiance, the storyline’s predictability can be a downer. Writers Alexander Belov, Petr Vnukov, Sergey Panasenkov, among others, lean on time-tested storytelling tropes: the return of an old flame, moral dilemmas, and the battle against inner demons. Nevertheless, audiences find themselves emotionally invested in the characters’ journeys and futures.
While the lack of originality in the plot can be noted, it is compensated by the strong emotional engagement and the thrilling criminal elements. Fans of series like Brigada are sure to appreciate this thrilling aspect.
Casting and Direction
The casting is commendable, with actors such as Yura Borisov, Yegor Gubarev, Aleksandra Kromova, and Evgeny Tkachuk bringing depth and richness to their roles. Director Anton Fedorov expertly navigates the realms of nostalgia, drama, and momentum, producing a series that holds viewers’ attention from start to finish.
The End: A Gripping Tale
In its third season, "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to explore themes of growth, love, friendship, and social injustice. Despite the script's shortcomings, the series remains a vivid representation of the era, stirring a whirlwind of emotions in its viewers. This narrative is not only engaging but profoundly moving, making it worth revisiting time and again.
For anyone seeking more than mere entertainment, the series invites a journey back to the past, encouraging reflection on youthful dreams and lessons learned in the present.