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

Modern television has a penchant for reflecting on the past, crafting series that not only tug at our nostalgic heartstrings but also encourage us to rethink various decades. One standout example of this retrospective trend is Ilya Aksenov's series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" This show resonates with echoes of the American phenomenon "Stranger Things," albeit with a distinctly Russian twist. In this article, we will explore how this project utilizes the lens of 90s romance to narrate the coming-of-age story of a generation forged from the remnants of the Soviet Union.

Where Does Nostalgia Come From?

For many millennials, the 90s conjure up images of a turbulent transition from the stability of the Soviet era to the wild days of capitalism. This decade was not only marked by economic fluctuations but also a remarkable cultural renaissance. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to present this era through the eyes of adolescents, navigating life between rooftops, bustling markets, and the glow of VHS tapes.

While "Stranger Things" immerses viewers in the American 80s, here we experience the Russian 90s — a time that was paradoxically characterized by both freedom and chaos. This balance permeates every facet of the series, from its settings and musical scores to the intricate web of plot lines.

The Plot: Adventures of Teens in a Criminal Reality

At the narrative's core are four teenagers: Sanya, Vova, Ilya, and Zhenya. Their entourage, dubbed "The Brotherhood of the Roof," becomes embroiled in conflicts that reflect the zeitgeist of the times. On one side, they contend with local bullies, while on the other, they find themselves ensnared in a rivalry between two criminal factions: veterans of the Afghan War and the Caucasian mafia. This storyline offers an intriguing glimpse into the atmosphere of the 90s as experienced through the lens of youthful emotions, untouched by the cynicism that often accompanies adulthood.

Particularly compelling is how these teenagers, while grappling with external dangers, also seek to understand their own emotions and familial ties. In Sanya's case, his mother must juggle household responsibilities while wrestling with memories of a challenging marriage, his grandfather upholds a culture of strength, and his father, a feckless writer, is ill-equipped to face the trials of the era.

Inspiration from the Past

Comparisons with "Stranger Things" are hard to ignore: a tight-knit group of friends stands against perils, drawing viewers into a vivid representation of a specific timeframe. However, instead of the fantastical elements typical of the American show, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" presents the audience with very real, tangible threats that resonate with the post-Soviet community. No monsters from alternate dimensions lurk here, but rather the very human dangers embodied by "wolves" and "bulls" — gangsters that vividly portray the criminal allure of the era.

The visual storytelling of the series also merits attention. Flashbacks are artfully styled as rewinds of video cassettes, creating a nostalgic viewing experience, while scenes depicting conflicts employ long, continuous takes, enhancing the sense of immediacy. One particularly memorable scene depicts the chaos of a market raid, reminiscent of the similar scene in the film "Bull."

The Culture of the 90s in Detail

The set designs and props in the series meticulously recreate the aesthetics of the time:

• Flea Markets: Featuring items like boiled jeans and caps emblazoned with "USA California."
• Pop Culture: Posters of Sylvester Stallone and stills from the movie "Kickboxer" decorate the walls of the characters’ homes.
• Gaming: Dendy gaming console plays a pivotal role as characters engage in "Street Fighter," highlighting the popularity of pirated versions of Western products.

The soundtrack thoughtfully intertwines the hits of the era (Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) with contemporary revisionist covers, like Sirotkin’s rendition of "Breathing" from Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, despite featuring strong female characters such as Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Alika's girlfriend, the series remains reflective of a patriarchal culture. Women find themselves clawing for their space in a world overshadowed by men who still adhere to the harsh codes of the "wild 90s." Nevertheless, the female characters breathe depth into the narrative, reminding viewers that the waves of change affected everyone.

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Matters

This series is not just a skillful recreation of 90s vibes; it offers a reexamination of that era through the lens of today. It serves as both an engaging show and a cultural commentary, showcasing how the millennial generation, shaped in the chaos of their youth, formed their own values and principles.

Additionally, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" facilitates a dialogue between the past and present, much like the best artistic works, connecting audiences across different generations.