Explore the 90s in Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" - A Nostalgic Glimpse at the 90s: What Awaits in the Third Season?
The Russian series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" made waves with its much-anticipated third season premiering on May 4, 2023, on the PREMIER platform. This show remains a captivating journey through the 1990s, weaving a rich tapestry of nostalgia, growth, societal issues, and romantic turmoil. Featuring eight episodes, each clocking in at 52 minutes, audiences are set to be immersed in a realm teeming with vibrant emotions, tough decisions, and the inevitable contradictions characteristic of that tumultuous era.
Plotline: Love, Poverty, and the 90s
Set against the backdrop of 1996, a year marked by unprecedented economic and social turmoil, the narrative follows the life of Sanya Ryabinin (played by Egor Gubarev). At this juncture, Sanya grapples with personal shifts, endeavoring to move past his first love, Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina), and seeking solace in a budding relationship with the new girl, Ksyusha (portrayed by Alexandra Khoromova). The daughter of a former police officer, Ksyusha is a spirited soul with a passion for music, embodying freedom that both captivates and concerns Sanya. His days are spent amidst a cassette kiosk, where dreams of a brighter future swirl in his mind.
Meanwhile, Sanya's friend Vovka (played by Yegor Abramov) struggles to navigate the trials of family life—hardly an easy feat even during more stable times. The tension escalates dramatically with Zhenya's unexpected return, accompanied by her modern fiancé, Fedor Fedotov. This brings forth a storm of conflicting emotions for Sanya.
Criminal Drama: From Despair to Hope
Adding to the mix are elements of crime drama synonymous with the era. Alek (performed by Yura Borisov), a former friend of Sanya, emerges from the shadows, burdened with past transgressions—a free man, yet shackled by his conscience as his pal, Vitek (played by Nikita Pavlenko), remains incarcerated. The dynamics of the city shift as new criminal players establish their own rules, led by Vasya (portrayed by Evgeny Tkachenko), a wheezy asthmatic who amplifies the chaos.
In a quest for redemption, Alek strives to adhere to his morals while the environment tugs him back towards the abyss of crime. Vovka, on the other hand, finds himself at a crucial crossroads, faced with a dilemma of either of staying on the sidelines or plunging headfirst into the world of crime.
Family Dramas: Prison, Hope, and Shattered Dreams
Sanya's mother (played by Ksenia Katalymova) sits in a remand prison, anxiously anticipating a court decision that could lead her to ten years behind bars. His father, Fyodor (performed by Stepan Devonin), is rendered a passive observer of their familial crisis, lacking the strength to support his family. In the midst of turmoil, Sanya struggles to reconcile his emotions, obligations, and aspirations for a better life.
The 90s Atmosphere: Music, Set Designs, and Nostalgia
One of the series' standout features is its meticulous attention to the details of the time period. The soundtrack—comprising hits from the 90s reimagined—invites viewers to lose themselves in the atmosphere. Every element, from the set design to the costumes, conjures the realities of that vibrant decade, which strikes a deep chord with those who lived through it.
Nostalgia threads through the narrative, serving as a bridge connecting generations. For audiences aged 40 and above, the series reignites memories from their youth amidst challenging yet unforgettable years. The youthful actors, like Egor Gubarev and Alexandra Khoromova, embody the spirit of the 90s, rendering their characters familiar and relatable.
Script Weaknesses and Strengths
Despite its alluring setting, the plot can come across as somewhat predictable. The writers—Alexander Belov, Pyotr Vnukov, Sergey Panasenkov, and others—utilize familiar tropes: the ex-lover's return, moral quandaries, and the internal struggle of the characters. However, the predictability doesn’t detract from viewers' engagement as they become vested in the characters’ journeys.
While the lack of originality in the plot exists, the emotional complexity compensates for this shortcoming, with the criminal elements injecting urgency into the narrative. Fans of series like "Brigada" are likely to appreciate this dimension.
Cast and Direction
The cast remains impressive, featuring notable performances from Yura Borisov, Egor Gubarev, Alexandra Khoromova, and Evgeny Tkachenko. Each actor contributes significantly to the depth of their roles. Director Anton Fedorov deftly balances nostalgia, drama, and pacing, creating a narrative that feels cohesive and engaging.
Finale: A Gripping Tale
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" continues to explore themes of maturation, love, friendship, and social injustice. Despite script weaknesses, the series brilliantly encapsulates the essence of its era, stirring a whirlwind of emotions in its viewers. This tale is both accessible and profoundly moving, providing a viewing experience that encourages reflection on the past and contemplation of the present.
For viewers seeking more than casual entertainment, the series provides a lens to revisit bygone days, rekindling youthful dreams and offering insights into contemporary realities.