Exploring Season Three of 'Peace! Friendship! Gum!'
Review of Season Three of the Series "Peace! Friendship! Gum!": "So Little Lived, So Much Experienced"
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Cast: Egor Gubarev, Yuri Borisov, Valentina Lyapina, Fyodor Roschin, Evgeny Tkachenko, Viktor Sukhorukov, among others.
Summer of 1996: What’s New?
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Gum!" takes viewers back to the transformative summer of 1996, retaining the central characters but depicting them as older and more seasoned. Set in Tula, significant changes have unfolded over the two years since the events of Season Two. Our protagonists, once carefree teens, are now wrestling with the complexities of adult life: family obligations, questionable escapades, and the looming threat of imprisonment—all intertwined with the timeless quest for survival and happiness.
Key Plotlines:
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev): Having graduated from school, he strives to carve out an adult life, navigating the bustling market while starting a new relationship.
- Vovka and Malaya (Egor Abramov, Polina Gukhman): These new parents are adjusting to their roles, with the young father seeking ways to provide for his family through risky endeavors.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roschin): His newfound passion for sports and weightlifting adds layers of hilarity to his character arc.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina): Returning to Tula with her fiancé stirs a mix of astonishment and jealousy among her old friends.
- Sanka’s Mother: Behind bars for financial misdeeds, she casts a shadow over her husband’s desperate attempts to hold the family together.
In parallel, a criminal subplot unravels in the city. The creators candidly label Tula as the backdrop, reviving past characters like Alik and Vityok with newfound, believable explanations for their returns, following a noticeable reduction of "criminal scenes" in previous seasons.
Strengths of the Season
Atmosphere and Music
As in previous seasons, music plays a crucial role in shaping the show's ambiance. The soundtrack features not only iconic hits of the 1990s but also original pieces composed specifically for the series. The album "Morskaya" by the band "Mumiy Troll," despite its pre-release appearance, symbolizes a fresh breath of the era. The musical interludes enhance pivotal scenes, elevating their emotional impact.
Attention to Detail
The visual presentation and script painstakingly recreate the essence of the 90s. Each shot offers a glimpse into the period with street vendors, fashion trends, and everyday struggles. The blend of personal and societal issues crafts a vivid portrait of life during that dynamic decade.
Characters You Can’t Let Go Of
The journey of the characters in the third season is rich with events. The creators expertly balance humor and drama, illustrating the clash between youthful carefreeness and the harsh truths of growing up. The performances are commendable, particularly from Egor Gubarev and Yuri Borisov, who infuse their characters with depth and sincerity.
Weaknesses and Controversial Points
Some viewers might feel that the season's beginning is somewhat drawn out. While gradual plot development usually builds tension, in this case, it risks tiring those eager for immediate action.
The return of certain characters, previously believed to be "lost," while it makes sense, can sometimes come off as a screenwriting trick designed to restore balance rather than a harmonious part of the narrative.
Overall Assessment
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Gum!" continues to impress with its authenticity and emotional richness. The creators adeptly tackle crucial themes of growing up, family, and friendship, while remaining mindful that at its heart, the series is about people. Despite a few contentious moments, this new season merits attention for its solid direction, strong cast, and its ability to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era.
Recommended viewing for anyone who values depth and authenticity blended with the vibrant essence of the 90s.