Exploring the Third Season of 'World! Friendship! Gum!'
Review of the Third Season of the Series "World! Friendship! Gum!": "How Little Was Lived, How Much Was Experienced"
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Cast: Yegor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fyodor Roschin, Yevgeny Tkachek, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.
Summer of 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "World! Friendship! Gum!" takes audiences back to 1996, reintroducing the beloved characters, now older and more seasoned. Situated in the quaint city of Tula, this season unravels the significant transformations that have happened in the two years since the previous season. The lead characters, once carefree teenagers, now grapple with the trials of adulthood—family obligations, dubious ventures, and even the looming threat of incarceration—a reality woven into their eternal quest for survival and happiness.
Key Plotlines:
- Sanka (Yegor Gubarev): Having completed school, he begins his journey into adulthood, trying to carve out a living in the marketplace while navigating a budding romance with his new girlfriend.
- Vovka and Malaya (Yegor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): The duo steps into parenthood, with the young father undertaking perilous schemes to provide for his family.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roschin): With a newfound passion for sports and weightlifting, he inadvertently adds a humorous twist to his character’s narrative.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Returning to town with her fiancé sparks waves of surprise and jealousy among her friends.
- Sanka's Mother: Caught up in criminal dealings, she finds herself behind bars, while her husband clings to hope for their family's salvation.
Simultaneously, the city's gritty underbelly unfolds, with the narrative unflinchingly naming Tula as the backdrop. In a bid to address the noticeable lack of "criminal characters" from previous installments, new faces are introduced into the fold, while presumed dead characters, Alik and Vityok, make surprising returns with more plausible explanations.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
True to form, music continues to play a pivotal role in establishing the series' atmosphere. The soundtrack features not just the iconic hits of the 90s, but also original compositions crafted specifically for the show. Notably, the album "Morskaya" from the band "Mumiy Troll" appears ahead of its actual release, symbolizing a breath of fresh air from the era. The musical interludes accentuate critical scenes, enhancing their emotional weight.
Attention to Detail
The visual aesthetics and narrative intricately recreate the essence of the 90s. Every single frame immerses the viewer in this bygone era, complete with street stalls, fashion trends, and domestic challenges. The intertwining of personal experiences and societal issues paints a comprehensive picture of life in those times.
Characters You Can’t Help But Miss
The journey of the characters in this season is rich with experiences. The creators skillfully maneuver between humor and drama, illustrating how the carefree spirit of youth collides with the harsh realities of growing up. The performances are compelling, particularly those of Yegor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who infuse their roles with a depth and authenticity that resonates with viewers.
Drawbacks and Controversial Points
Some viewers may find the pacing at the start of the season a bit sluggish. While slow-burn storytelling often heightens anticipation, in this case, it risks exhausting those eager for immediate action.
The return of characters previously thought dead, despite logical narratives, can sometimes feel more like a ploy to restore balance rather than a seamless part of the plot.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "World! Friendship! Gum!" continues to impress with its authenticity and emotional richness. The creators effectively tackle significant themes such as growing up, family dynamics, and friendship while keeping in mind that their project is fundamentally about people. Despite some controversial elements, the new season merits attention for its high-quality direction, strong cast, and ability to evoke nostalgia for a cherished era.
Viewing Recommendation: This series comes highly recommended for anyone who appreciates depth and sincerity, all wrapped in the vibrant atmosphere of the 90s.