Mir! Druzhba! Zhvachka!

Surprisingly superb achievement in telling a story which seems more than authentic to all who come from those times and simultaneously artistically big enough to speak in a universal language of cinema to all the others. Being also a part of the first above mentioned group can't share how overwhelmingly authentic and touchy this "set the boys free" type of a story is, however need to admit, that present "San'ka's and Jen'ka's" sons and daughters have to face and overcome same challenges all over again. Back to the Future, boys and girls!

At first, the crazy kids move the plot, and everything, or almost everything, revolves around them, but as soon as adults appear in the frame, the series becomes more interesting.

In the first season, I didn't care about all the characters, I didn't even want to miss anything, but who knew that 2 more seasons would be released in the future?

In season 2, however, there was no strength left to tolerate the kids, so attention was paid to the most interesting part of the series, namely Yura and his business affairs.

In season 3, the authors were able to surprise and stuff even more relationships with the kids, but this time they are more strongly connected with bandits than before, so the symbiosis turned out, and you can watch without squandering anything.

Well, season 3 is also the best in introducing new characters: there are as many as 3 of them (what a coincidence)!

In short, another series about snotty kids and some evil bandits, among whom there is a kind Yura, so you can watch it.

Surprisingly good series as for modern Russia. No politics or propaganda. Just story that starts almost as pure childish comedy and then turn into criminal drama.

And very nice music, OST is very good.

So let's wait for the season two.

One of the best film stories about the 90s. A fascinating story and brilliant actors! I liked the variety of storylines, you watch the story of each character with great interest. Sasha, played by Yegor Gubarev , is a personality that excites with its unpredictability. In each story, the attitude to him varies from strong empathy to hurtful disappointment, depending on the chosen way to solve a particular problem. Naturalness and avoiding patterns is one of the weighty criteria of this series. Although I did not find the period described in the conscious age, it was very exciting to get into its atmosphere. And it is sad to realize how much we have irretrievably lost, surrendering to the power of digitalization. Look at this creation is certainly worth it, regardless of belonging to a particular generation, because here perhaps one of the most important moral principles in the life of every person is revealed. This series is about perseverance, choice, true friendship, overcoming oneself, and mainly about love. A special place in the film is occupied by the grandfather (played by Sergei Stepin) and his difficult fate. My heart ached when, as the story progressed, new "wounds" of his ambiguous past opened up. And in this vein, I would like to add that this picture is even more important - about forgiveness. I tried to describe the series to a friend so that he would watch it, but to my surprise I realized that I could not do it in words. This is the very case when the creators were able to bring something more to the cinema, intangible and wordless, which you feel only when watching and can not express in words alone. Therefore, I believe that this series is worth seeing once to make up your own impression, at least, it will definitely not be a waste of time, even if you do not like Russian cinema.

P.S. I watched all 8 episodes excitedly in one evening and without hesitation put 10 out of 10!

Review of Mir! Druzhba! Zhvachka!

Rating: 8/10

Mir! Druzhba! Zhvachka! Is a nostalgic and heartfelt coming-of-age series that perfectly captures the atmosphere of 1990s Russia. With a mix of humor, drama, and sharp social commentary, it immerses viewers in the chaotic yet vibrant post-Soviet era.

Plot

Set in the early 1990s, the series follows a group of teenagers navigating the drastic changes in society after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Through the eyes of 14-year-old Sanek, we witness friendships, first loves, family struggles, and the rise of new opportunities and dangers in a country undergoing rapid transformation.

Performances

The young cast delivers impressive performances, making the characters feel authentic and relatable. The chemistry between the actors adds to the realism, while the adult characters provide depth to the story, showcasing different perspectives on the changing world.

Strengths & Weaknesses

The show excels in its attention to detail, from the costumes and music to the cultural references of the time. It balances humor and drama effectively, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. However, some storylines may feel predictable or overly sentimental, but this does not take away from the show's overall impact.

Overall Impressions

Mir! Druzhba! Zhvachka! Is a nostalgic and well-crafted series that resonates with those who lived through the era while offering an engaging story for younger audiences. It's a heartfelt tribute to a generation growing up in a time of uncertainty and change.