Exploring the Vibrant World of Peace! Friendship! Gum! Season 3
Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Starring: Egor Gubarev, Valentina Lyapina, Yuri Borisov, Nikita Pavlenko, Evgeny Tkachenko, Viktor Suhorukov, among others.
The third season of the much-loved series "Peace! Friendship! Gum!" brings back the cherished narrative of teenage life in the 90s. This time, however, the story is set in the summer of 1996, marking a two-year leap in the characters' lives, where they grapple with new challenges and trials.
Growing Up: The Characters' New Life Phase
Our familiar protagonists retain their identities, yet the two-year span has wrought significant transformations upon them:
- Sanka (Egor Gubarev) has graduated from school and now sells cassettes at a kiosk. His journey ushers in a fresh chapter, marked by budding romance with a new girlfriend.
- Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Malaya (Polina Gukhman) are now parents, and in a bid to support his family, Vovka finds himself tangled up in dubious schemes.
- Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin), who has always danced to the beat of his own drum, now aspires to physical perfection.
- Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) arrives in town with her fiancé, throwing a surprising twist into her friends' lives.
Sanka's parents weave their own dramatic tales. His mother finds herself incarcerated for financial fraud, while his father clings to the hope that relief will come in the form of Vitalik (Arthur Beschastny), who perpetually teeters at the edge of legality.
A Rich Criminal Narrative
This season unfurls a fresh perspective on the underbelly of Tula’s criminal world. After the demise of many key figures involved in the city’s illicit dealings in the previous season, the writers introduce new characters while resurrecting some presumed dead from earlier narratives.
The return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko) elicits mixed emotions; their "resurrection" feels more credible this time, yet it still serves as a heavy dose of drama. True to form, the adolescents find themselves ensnared in the swirling chaos of crime, inadvertently stepping into a dangerous current.
The Soundtrack – The Soul of the Series
Music continues to play a pivotal role in creating a distinctive ambiance within the serial narrative. The soundtrack is peppered with:
- 90s Hits that effortlessly plunge viewers into the cherished era.
- Mujus's music, echoing the anxious spirit of the times.
- An early release of the album "Marine" by the group "Mumiy Troll," as woven into the plot.
This musical accompaniment deepens the emotional landscape of the storylines, perfectly mirroring the spirit of change and uncertainty that characterizes the 90s.
Dynamics and Intrigue: What to Expect from Season Three?
While the initial episodes of this season may unfold at a slower pace compared to their predecessors, this is merely a façade. Tension escalates with each scene, and soon enough, the familiar frenetic rhythm returns.
The writers once again tread the thin line between absurdity and realism, compelling viewers to root for the flawed characters despite their questionable choices. Will the series maintain its suspense right through to the finale? Or are we in for yet another dizzying spiral of events?
Finale: Why You Should Tune In
The third season of "Peace! Friendship! Gum!" stands tall as a vibrant example of nostalgic cinema that reflects the 90s. It adeptly combines:
- Vivid Characters: Beloved by audiences for their authenticity and charm.
- Period Atmosphere: Captured through the meticulous design of sets, music, and costumes.
- Gripping Plot: Keeping viewers on their toes, despite the light-hearted delivery.
This season is yet another stride towards unveiling the notion that in the lives of the characters, "little is lived, yet much is experienced." It’s a must-watch for anyone wanting to revisit the 90s or simply indulge in a quality Russian series.