Nostalgia in TV: Exploring 90s Through Modern Series

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Mirrors the 90s and Our Own "Stranger Things"

Modern television frequently revisits the past, crafting series that evoke nostalgia while inviting viewers to rethink bygone eras. One such series, Ilya Aksenov's Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!, stands out as an exemplar of this phenomenon, drawing parallels to the American phenomenon Stranger Things, yet emphasizing the unique realities of Russia. In this discourse, we will delve into how the project, viewed through the lens of 90s romanticism, narrates the evolution of a generation molded in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse.

What Fuels Nostalgia?

For millennials, the 90s symbolize a tumultuous transition from Soviet stability to the wild capitalist overhauls that followed. This period was not merely marked by economic turbulence; it also birthed an extraordinary cultural renaissance. The allure of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! lies in its ability to present this era through the eyes of adolescents navigating the rooftops, local markets, and the world of VHS tapes and cassettes.

If Stranger Things captures the essence of the 1980s in America, Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! encapsulates the quintessence of Russia's 90s, an era defined by a paradoxical mix of liberty and chaos. This duality resonates throughout every facet of the series—from the set design and soundtrack to the intricate storylines that unfold.

Plot: Adventures of Teens in a Criminal Landscape

At the heart of the narrative are four adolescents: Sanyka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. This group, dubbed the "Brotherhood of the Roof," becomes embroiled in conflicts that encapsulate the spirit of the times. On one hand, they face off against local bullies; on the other, they inadvertently find themselves caught in the clash between two criminal factions—the Afghan veteran gang and the Caucasian mafia. This storyline paints a vivid picture of the 90s' climate as seen through the lens of youthful experiences, untouched by the jaded cynicism of adulthood.

Particularly captivating is the interplay between external conflicts and the internal struggles of these teens as they navigate their emotions and familial relationships. For instance, Sanyka's mother juggles household management while grappling with her painful past, her grandfather upholds the cult of strength, and his father, a spineless writer, appears ill-equipped to confront the challenges of their times.

Inspirations from the Past

The comparisons to Stranger Things are palpable: a tight-knit group of friends standing against menacing threats, immersing the audience in a distinct temporal atmosphere. However, whereas Stranger Things leans into the fantastical, Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! presents starkly real dangers, all too familiar to the post-Soviet audience. Instead of monsters from parallel dimensions, we encounter "wolves" and "bulls"—thugs whose very presence encapsulates the criminal allure of that period.

The visual style of the series deserves special mention as well. Flashback sequences are crafted to evoke the feel of rewinding video tapes, and the action scenes are shot in lengthy, uninterrupted takes, creating an immersive experience for the viewer. A particularly unforgettable sequence involves the devastation of a market, reminiscent of a similar scene in the film "The Bull."

The Culture of the 90s in Detail

The show’s backdrop and props meticulously evoke the aesthetic of the time:

• Flea Markets: Featuring boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with “USA California.”
• Pop Culture: The walls of characters are adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and stills from the movie "Kickboxer."
• Gaming: The Dendy console captures the era's nostalgia, with the characters battling it out in "Street Fighter," reflecting the popularity of pirated Western products.

Musically, the series adeptly blends the hits of the era (such as Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway) with contemporary reinterpretations, like Sirotkin's haunting cover of "Breathing" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Intriguingly, despite the presence of strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanyka's mother, and Alika's girlfriend, the series remains a reflection of a patriarchal society. Women are often seen fighting for their stakes in a world where men cling to the archaic rules of the "wild 90s." Nonetheless, the depiction of female characters enriches the narrative, underscoring that this era of change affected everyone—not just a select few.

Why Is Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! Important?

This series expertly recreates the atmosphere of the 90s while reinterpreting that decade through a modern lens. It exists as both an entertaining program and a cultural examination, illustrating how millennials raised amid chaos formed their values and identities.

Moreover, Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! serves as an ongoing dialogue between the past and the present. Like the finest art, it draws together viewers of varying generations, allowing them to resonate with shared experiences and memories. It acts as a bridge—a cultural connector—that enriches our understanding of where we came from and encourages us to ponder where we are headed.