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A Bittersweet Tale of Friendship and Regret: 'First-Year Students' Review
summarizeEditor's Summary
I'm still reeling from the emotional rollercoaster that is 'First-Year Students.' This Russian TV series has got it all - heart-wrenching drama, laugh-out-loud humor, and a cast of lovable characters that'll make you feel like you're part of their crew. But be warned, the humor can get a bit too raunchy at times, and the second season's toned-down approach might leave you feeling a bit underwhelmed. The show tackles some heavy themes, like friendship and regret, in a way that's both authentic and thought-provoking. The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots that'll leave you breathless. Overall, 'First-Year Students' is a wild ride that's not to be missed, but be prepared for some serious emotional ups and downs.
settingsSpecifications
Kararİyi
Aktörler6/10
Dramatiklik7/10
Yönetmenlik9/10
When it comes to making a movie, who's the real MVP? The actors, the director, or the writers? I'm convinced that the director and writers are the real stars of the show, with the actors just going along for the ride.
I've got to give it to director Ilya Ermolov – he really brought the house down in the first season. It was hilarious, with so many laugh-out-loud moments. He's a talented director, and I've recently seen another one of his works – the series 'The Surgeon.'
One thing that's a bit of a letdown is that Ermolov loves to push the envelope with his humor, and sometimes it feels a bit too raunchy for my taste. The first season was full of explicit language, with words like 'f***' and 'penis' thrown around a bit too much for my comfort. In the second season, the new director, Alena Korchagina, toned it down a bit, replacing some of the more explicit language with more subtle references. But, unfortunately, it felt a bit too watered down for my taste.
So, while I enjoyed the first season and would happily watch it again for a good laugh, the second season just didn't do it for me.
Plot:
This show is about two women who decide to start over and go back to college at the age of 40. They're both disappointed with how their lives have turned out and feel like they've missed out on their dreams, so they decide to enroll in the same university they never finished 20 years ago.
Throughout the series, we'll see the lives of different generations (the older and younger ones) play out, with the older generation, played by Anastasia Kulegina and Zhanna Sushova, trying to fit in with the younger crowd and experiencing all the ups and downs of modern student life.
Backstory:
It's crazy to think that 20 years ago, my friends Jeanne and Nastya were celebrating the millennium in their dorm and wishing each other all the success they could ever want. Their dream was to open a luxurious restaurant by the coast. But life had other plans, and years went by with Nastya's restaurant still on hold, and both of them dropping out of college after the first semester: Nastya had twins, Jeanne got stuck in a cycle of relationships and marriages.
Fast forward to when Nastya's kids leave for the army, and Jeanne finds out about her husband's infidelity, they meet up and regret all the years they feel like they've wasted. And then Jeanne decides that things could have been different if they hadn't dropped out of college after the first semester. They come up with a genius plan: to return to college and move back into that same dorm to start all over again. It won't be easy for these 40-year-old students, both in academics and socializing with the younger crowd. But Jeanne and Nastya are determined not to give up on their happiness.
Cast::
I think the cast is really great. Nastya, played by Anna Ukolova, is one of my favorite characters. She's got a great dynamic with the rest of the cast, especially Zhanna, played by Ekaterina Stulova.
Kirill, played by Alexander Zhoryonin, is another standout character. He's got a great sense of humor and always knows how to make me laugh. And let's not forget about Lidia Semenovna, played by Lyudmila Artemyeva – she's got a lot of heart and brings a lot of depth to the show.I was stoked to see a local actor in the main cast. Besides Ekaterina Novokreshchenova, who's still a student at GITIS, most of the supporting actors are pretty well-known: Yan Tsapnik, Vadim Andreev, Yola Sanko, Olesya Zhelenskaya, and so on.
It was nice to see a familiar face from our hometown make it big. I've been a fan of Daniil Popov's work since I was a kid. He's got a pretty impressive filmography for someone so young – just nine films under his belt. But to me, that's what success looks like. He's from a small town in the Altai Krai, and he made it big in Moscow, getting into theater school at just 19.
First Season
Now, I'll admit that the first season had some rough edges. There were some pretty cringeworthy lines that made me wince, and some modern slang that grated on my nerves (‘bumer’, ‘zumer’, ‘ol’dy’ – you know the kind of thing). But overall, the first season was a wild ride, and I loved every minute of it. Each episode had some great one-liners, and I loved watching the development of the relationship between the 20-year-old student and his 40-year-old classmate. It was like they were meant to be.
Watching the first season always leaves you feeling uplifted.
Season 2
While the first season focused on romantic relationships, the second season sees the characters thinking about serious relationships, family life, and even having kids.
Maybe that's down to the director – a guy who's all about casual, carefree relationships versus a female director who's more forward-thinking.
As a result, the characters are now thinking about starting a family.
The music's changed now – no more throwbacks to the 00s.
The comedy's gone from funny to melodramatic.
There are some chuckle-worthy moments, but they're not laugh-out-loud funny – more like a gentle smile.
And don't even get me started on the sad moments when they 'developed' the characters – I was rooting for them to be together after the first season.
The Verdict:
I'd give the first season a solid 5, but the second season? More like 2 or 3.
It's like they're trying to continue the story, but the first season was where it's at – the second one's just not as engaging.
I'll still be tuning in for season 3, hoping it'll be back to its first-season form.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Is 'First-Year Students' suitable for all audiences?
While the show's humor is generally lighthearted, some of the language and themes may not be suitable for all audiences, especially younger viewers.
What's the show's tone?
The show's tone is generally heartwarming and humorous, but it can get a bit darker and more serious at times.
Is the show based on real events?
No, the show is a work of fiction, but it's inspired by the experiences of the writers and cast.
How many seasons are there?
There are currently two seasons of 'First-Year Students,' with a third season rumored to be in the works.
What's the show's runtime?
Each episode is approximately 45 minutes long.
Is the show available with English subtitles?
Yes, the show is available with English subtitles on various streaming platforms.
Can I watch the show with my family?
While the show is generally suitable for older children and teenagers, some of the language and themes may not be suitable for younger viewers.
What's the show's rating?
The show has a rating of 16+ due to its mature themes and language.
Where can I stream 'First-Year Students'?
You can stream 'First-Year Students' on various platforms, including Netflix and Hulu.
Is 'First-Year Students' available in my region?
Check your local streaming services to see if 'First-Year Students' is available in your region.
check_circlePros
- •The first season's humor is top-notch, with laugh-out-loud moments that'll have you crying tears of joy.
- •The cast of characters is lovable and relatable, making it easy to get invested in their stories.
- •The show tackles some heavy themes, like friendship and regret, in a way that's both authentic and thought-provoking.
- •The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots that'll leave you breathless.
- •The show's pacing is well-balanced, with a perfect mix of drama and humor.
- •The themes of friendship and loyalty are expertly woven throughout the series.
- •The show has a great cast of supporting characters, each with their own unique quirks and personalities.
- •The show's music is catchy and memorable, with some great soundtrack moments.
- •The show's themes of self-discovery and growth are really resonant, especially for younger viewers.
- •The show's portrayal of complex relationships is really nuanced and realistic.
- •The show's use of symbolism is clever and adds depth to the story.
- •The show's exploration of social issues is thought-provoking and timely.
cancelCons
- •The second season's toned-down approach to humor can feel a bit watered down compared to the first season.
- •Some of the characters' storylines feel a bit underdeveloped, leaving you wanting more.
- •The show's reliance on explicit language can be off-putting at times, especially for those who prefer more subtle humor.
- •The show's themes can be heavy-handed at times, feeling a bit too preachy.
- •The show's ending can be a bit abrupt, leaving you feeling a bit unsatisfied.
- •Some of the characters' motivations can be hard to understand, feeling a bit inconsistent.
- •The show's pacing can be a bit slow at times, especially in the second season.
- •Some of the plot twists feel a bit predictable, which can take away from the show's impact.
- •The show's use of stereotypes can be a bit jarring at times, especially for viewers who are sensitive to these issues.
- •The show's portrayal of certain social issues can feel a bit simplistic, which can be frustrating for viewers who are looking for more nuance.
- •The show's reliance on convenient plot devices can be a bit frustrating at times.
- •The show's use of cliffhangers can be a bit overdone, which can make the show feel a bit cheap.
