Exploring 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!' and the '90s

In today's television landscape, nostalgia often serves as a bridge to the past, with series not just evoking fond memories but also inviting us to reflect on bygone eras. One shining example of this approach is Ilya Aksenov's series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", which draws intriguing parallels to the American sensation "Stranger Things", all while delving into the unique realities of Russian life. In this article, we'll explore how this project, through the lens of '90s romanticism, encapsulates the experiences of a generation molded in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse.

The Roots of Nostalgia

For millennials, the '90s conjure images of a chaotic transition from Soviet stability to rampant capitalism. This decade was not only marked by economic turmoil but also a remarkable cultural renaissance. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to present this tumultuous period through the eyes of teenagers navigating their way among rooftops, market stalls, and VHS tapes.

While "Stranger Things" centers around the nostalgic echo of the American '80s, this Russian series plunges us into the distinct atmosphere of the '90s, a time that was simultaneously liberating and disorderly. This delicate balance permeates every aspect of the show—from the set design and soundtrack to the unfolding storylines.

Plot: Adventures of Teenagers Amidst a Criminal Landscape

At the heart of the narrative are four teenagers: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. This band of friends, dubbed the "Brotherhood of the Rooftop", finds themselves embroiled in conflicts that mirror the spirit of the time. On one front, they compete with local thugs, while on another, they become caught in the crossfire between two rival gangs: veterans from the Afghan war and the Caucasian mafia. This storyline offers a glimpse into the '90s through the prism of youthful experiences, unclouded by the cynicism that often accompanies adulthood.

What’s particularly fascinating is how these teens grapple with external challenges while navigating their own feelings and familial relationships. For instance, Sanka's mother juggles managing their household while wrestling with painful memories of a troubled marriage. Meanwhile, his grandfather champions a cult of strength, and his father, a weak-willed writer, struggles to rise to the challenges of an ever-shifting world.

Inspiration from the Past

The comparisons to "Stranger Things" are striking: a group of friends facing dangers, immersing the audience in the spirit of a specific time. Yet, instead of fantasy, in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", viewers encounter tangible threats familiar to the post-Soviet audience. Rather than monsters from parallel dimensions, there are "wolves" and "bulls"—gangsters embodying the criminal romanticism of the era.

The series’ visual choices are equally praiseworthy. Flashbacks are depicted as rewinding a video cassette, while conflict scenes are shot in lengthy, unbroken takes, enhancing the sense of immediacy. A particularly poignant moment involves the wrecking of a market, a nod to a similar scene from the film "The Bull".

The Culture of the '90s in Detail

The set and props are meticulously curated to convey the aesthetic of the era:

• Flea Markets: Goofy jeans and baseball caps adorned with the inscription "USA California".
• Pop Culture: Posters of Sylvester Stallone and clips from the film "Kickboxer" embellish the walls of the characters' lives.
• Gaming Console: The Dendy, where the kids battle it out in "Street Fighter", emphasizing the popularity of bootlegged Western products.

Musically, the score intertwines hits from that era (such as Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway) with modern reinterpretations (for example, Sirotkin covering "Breathing" by Nautilus Pompilius).

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, despite the presence of strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanka's mother, and Alik's girlfriend, the series remains a reflection of patriarchal culture. Women are forced to carve out their space in a world still governed by the laws of the "wild '90s". However, the representation of female figures enriches the narrative, reminding us that the winds of change affected everyone.

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Matters

This series not only masterfully recreates the essence of the 90s but also reexamines it through today's perspective. It serves as both an entertaining show and a cultural investigation, showcasing how a generation of millennials raised in chaos formulated their values.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" facilitates a dialogue between the past and present, uniting viewers from various generations much like the finest cultural artifacts.

The series encapsulates the rich tapestry of the '90s, revealing how both chaotic and formative this decade was for individuals caught in its whirlwind.