World! Friendship! Gum! Season Three Review and Insights

World! Friendship! Gum! — Season Three: How Little Lived, How Much Experienced

Rating: 8 out of 10
Release Date: May 4, 2023
Director: Anton Fyodorov
Starring: Egor Gubarev, Valentina Lyapina, Yuri Borisov, Nikita Pavlenko, Evgeny Tkatchuk, Viktor Sukhorukov, and others.

The third season of the popular series "World! Friendship! Gum!" is a long-awaited continuation of the nostalgic narrative surrounding the lives of adolescents growing up in the vibrant yet tumultuous 1990s. This time, the plot transports us to the summer of 1996, where the characters have aged two years and must confront a host of new challenges and experiences.

Coming of Age: A New Chapter Unfolds

While familiar faces return, the passage of time has fostered significant growth among the main characters:

• Sanyka (Egor Gubarev) has graduated high school and is now selling tapes at a local kiosk, stepping into a new chapter of his life that includes blossoming romantic relationships.
• Vovka (Egor Abramov) and Mala (Polina Guhman) have embraced parenthood. As Vovka strives to support his family, he finds himself increasingly drawn into dubious schemes.
• Ilya (Fyodor Roshchin), who always danced to his own beat, is now on a quest for physical perfection.
• Zhenya (Valentina Lyapina) returns to town accompanied by her fiancé, catching her friends off guard.

Simultaneously, Sanyka's parents are entrenched in their own dramas: his mother finds herself incarcerated due to financial misconduct, while his father clings to the hope of salvation through Vitalik (Artur Beschastny), who perpetually teeters on the edge of legality.

A Rich Tapestry of Crime

The writers delve into the underbelly of Tula’s criminal activities, showcasing a darker side of life in the city. Although many of the notorious figures from the criminal landscape perished in the second season, the introduction of new characters breathes life into the storyline. Moreover, some old favorites, presumed dead, resurface unexpectedly.

The return of Alik (Yuri Borisov) and Vitka (Nikita Pavlenko) stirs a mix of emotions: their comeback, while more believable this time, remains a compelling dramatic twist. The teenage protagonists, as always, find themselves unwittingly swept into the whirlwind of crime and chaos.

The Soul of the Series: Soundtrack

Music continues to play an essential role in crafting the show’s distinctive ambiance. The soundtrack includes:

• Iconic hits from the 90s that immerse the audience in the era.
• Tense, stylized tracks from Mujus that encapsulate the inquietude of the times.
• The fictional release of the album "Sea" by the group "Mumiy Troll," which is woven seamlessly into the storyline, ironically predating its actual release.

This musical backdrop enriches the emotional depth of the plotlines, reflecting the spirit of change and instability emblematic of the 90s.

A Gripping Narrative: What to Expect

At first glance, the opening episodes of the third season may seem to lag in pace compared to previous installments, but this perception is misleading. Tension steadily escalates with each scene, soon restoring the breakneck speed that fans have come to expect.

The writers skillfully navigate the fine line between absurdity and realism, engaging viewers as they empathize with characters, flaws and all. Will the series maintain its gripping intensity until the very end? Or will viewers be taken on yet another dizzying ride of events?

Closure: Why You Should Tune In

The third season of "World! Friendship! Gum!" stands out as a brilliant example of nostalgic cinema, beautifully encapsulating the essence of the 90s. It showcases:

• Vibrant characters, beloved for their authenticity and charm.
• An atmosphere reflective of the era, communicated through sets, music, and costumes.
• A plot that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, despite the light-hearted delivery.

This season serves as another reminder that in the lives of the protagonists, there may be "little lived, but much experienced." It is highly recommended for anyone wishing to relive the 90s or simply enjoy a quality Russian TV series.