Exploring the Final Season of Chewing Gum: Growth & Hope
The video service Premier has recently concluded the third and final season of the series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", a work that has become emblematic of Russian life during the turbulent 90s. Crafted by the production team at Good Story Media, hailing from Perm, this series has garnered deserved acclaim for its original take on a pivotal era, establishing itself as a cultural phenomenon of its time. Rather than just depicting the realities of the 90s, the show artfully intertwines elements of drama, nostalgia, and profound social commentary.
From "90s Disco" to a Deep Narrative of Growing Up
As the 2010s progressed, society began to embrace the theme of the 90s with increasing enthusiasm, particularly through films and television series. Yet, many projects simply resorted to clichéd portrayals: gangsters, leather jackets, and era-specific music. In contrast, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" stood out amid the repetitive tropes by offering a fresh perspective on the "wild 90s" through the eyes of teenagers. This unique approach allowed the series to cultivate a powerful atmosphere, letting viewers catch glimpses of familiar aspects from their own childhoods or adolescence.
The producers chose a format reminiscent of "Stranger Things," stripping away the mystique while preserving the heartfelt essence of teenage camaraderie and the vivid spirit of adventure. At its core, the show revolves around the narrative of the "Brotherhood of the Roof"—a group of friends navigating a harsh world, built on the ashes of an old system. The central character, Sanyka Ryabinin, along with his companions Vovka, Ilyusha, and Zhenya, paint a collective portrait of an entire generation grappling with the challenges of growing up amidst societal turmoil.
From Childhood to Adulthood: The Characters' Dynamics
The inaugural season immerses viewers in a world filled with backyard games, concert outings, and warm family moments. It’s an endearing story, wrapped in nostalgia and innocence. However, as the characters evolve, the tone of the series progressively shifts. In the second season, the adolescents confront authentic issues: illegal alcohol trafficking, family crises, and violent skirmishes over factories. A significant theme emerges: the awareness of responsibility for their actions and the impact on others around them.
By the third season, the characters have fully matured. The year is 1996, marking the time of the "Vote or Lose" electoral campaign. Sanyka and Ilyusha delve into cassette trading, Vovka embraces fatherhood, and Zhenya aspires to marry and relocate abroad. Their existence leaves no room for childish fantasies; instead, they face a suite of new challenges. Symbolically, these changes reflect the themes of detachment from parental figures and the quest for individual paths.
Profound Conflicts and Symbolism in the Third Season
The final season intensifies the drama that unfolds. Conflicts evolve to become not only sharper but also more intricate, requiring a more mature approach. One of the key antagonists emerges in the form of Vasya—a new criminal leader embodying the chaotic risks and brutality of the era. More than just a villain, he takes on almost a chthonic presence, through which the series navigates issues of moral dilemmas and human frailty.
The central focus shifts to the pressing need to make complex decisions without resorting to violence. The characters learn to find common ground, to forgive, and to comprehend the repercussions of their actions. The series' conclusion offers an almost utopian resolution to conflicts through dialogue and empathy. While this may come across as a touch naive, it leaves viewers with an uplifting impression.
Aesthetic Appeal and Musical Resonance
The series' distinct atmosphere is significantly enhanced by its musical score. Eschewing the standard hits of the "90s disco era," the soundtrack is dominated by contemporary music, including compositions from Mujuice. This selection lends the series a fresh and unique flair, setting it apart from other projects reminiscent of that time. Music transcends the role of mere backdrop, becoming an integral part of the narrative that establishes mood and emphasizes pivotal moments.
The End: Naive Optimism or a Logical Outcome?
The resolution of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" offers a bright and hopeful finale. The creators bestowed upon their characters a chance at happiness, despite the myriad trials they faced. This ending, while seemingly optimistic, aligns perfectly with the show's overarching theme. It serves as a reminder that even in trying times, one can maintain hope and strive for a brighter future.
Reflection on a Generation
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transcended being just a show about the 90s; it emerged as a significant cultural phenomenon. It illustrated how the narrative of individual lives can illuminate an entire epoch. For teenagers who grew up in the 90s, the characters mirrored their own identities, while youths of the 21st century found a lens through which to understand the trials their parents endured. The series leaves behind a warm sense of nostalgia and a reminder that growing up is not an end, but rather the beginning of a new chapter in life.