Exploring the 90s Through 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
The Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey Back to the Teen Era of the 90s
The show created by Ilya Aksenov, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!”, which recently debuted on the streaming platform Premier, transcends a mere coming-of-age story set in the 1990s. It unveils an entire voyage through a distinctive period in Russian history, illustrating the trials and tribulations of adolescents in a small provincial town. This project weaves together nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, crafting a profound and intricate portrait of the tumultuous era characterized by the initial accumulation of capital in Russia.
Adolescent Life Amidst Societal Change
Set against the backdrop of the year 1993 in Tula Oblast, the narrative follows a group of school friends: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and the spirited red-haired Genya. Their daily escapades unfold in hidden spots behind garages, atop the roofs of apartment buildings, as they dream about the future while grappling with the quintessential challenges of teenage life.
Hormonal upheavals, abandoned musical aspirations, and budding romances blend with the harsh realities of their families and surroundings. Sanya's family serves as a quintessential representation of how various generations navigated through change. His mother, a market trader selling Turkish textiles, exemplifies resilience, while his father, a university lecturer, finds himself overwhelmed by the whirlwind of socio-economic shifts. Another striking character is Uncle Alik, a war veteran from Afghanistan, who struggles with post-traumatic stress syndrome. His nightly battles against reckless impulses and scenes of being handcuffed to a radiator serve as poignant metaphors for the internal demons haunting a nation in turmoil.
From Adolescence to National Maturation
A remarkable aspect of the series is the parallel drawn between the blossoming of its young protagonists and the "coming of age" of Russia itself. The 1990s—a period of initial capital accumulation—are portrayed through dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and a kind of teenage oblivion that characterizes that decade.
This unique perspective sharply distinguishes Aksenov's work from other cinematic representations of the 1990s, such as Kantemir Balagov’s "Tightness" or Boris Akopov’s "Bull". It steers clear of overt dramatization or romanticized portrayals of the era. Instead, it offers an honest and refreshing viewpoint that acknowledges that even amidst societal catastrophes, adolescents remain true to their youthful selves.
Cinematic Style and Actor Performances
Ilya Aksenov, whose previous work in the genre of guerrilla cinema and independent projects has garnered attention, continues to refine his distinctive style in “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" His focus lies heavily on performance and character dynamics rather than elaborate visual flair. However, we must spotlight the impressive cinematography by Alexey Filippov, whose wide frames infused with elements of raw provincial beauty transform rural Russia into a striking parallel of the Wild West.
Among the standout performances is Stepan Devonin, who embodies Sanya's father. His character, an intelligent educator writing a novel in secret, finds himself reluctantly selling goods at the market alongside his wife, evoking deep sympathy and respect. Yuri Borisov as Uncle Alik, alongside Nikita Pavlenko, delivers profoundly crafted portrayals that resonate with the audience.
The Turbulent Teenage Years of Violence and Dreams
At first glance, the title of the series seems playfully whimsical. However, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" delves into the teenage experience where fear and discoveries coexist in a delicate balance. In its opening episode, a black BMW—an emblem of violence and the criminal underworld—emerges as a potent symbol of its time. Yet, the series masterfully navigates the terrain between dark comedy, drama, and coming-of-age storytelling, granting viewers the freedom to interpret the narrative threads in their own way.
Final Thoughts
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" stands as more than just another series centered on the 1990s. It is a nuanced and insightful work that, through the lens of its youthful characters, captures the essence of a country undergoing its most significant transformations. By intertwining tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov crafts a piece that entertains, evokes deep emotions, and prompts contemplation on how maturation—both personal and societal— is invariably accompanied by pain and revelations.
This captivating series, which resonates particularly with those who came of age in the turbulent 90s, remains a poignant reminder of the complexity of growing up during a period of significant change.