Exploring 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!' in the '90s
Ilya Aksenov's series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", recently launched on the streaming platform Premier, transcends being merely a coming-of-age narrative set in the 1990s. Instead, it offers an immersive journey into a unique epoch of Russia, all viewed through the lens of young teenagers living in a small provincial town. This project deftly interlaces nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, crafting a profound and nuanced portrayal of the era marked by the initial surge of capitalism.
Teenage Life Amidst Social Turmoil
Set against the backdrop of Tula Oblast in 1993, the series introduces us to a group of relatable schoolyard friends: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and the spirited redhead Zhenya. Their days are filled with adventures behind garages, on high-rise rooftops, and dreaming about an uncertain future, all while grappling with familiar adolescent challenges.
Raging hormones, forsaken musical instruments, and the bitter sweetness of first loves merge seamlessly with the harsh realities that envelope their families and surroundings.
Sanka's family epitomizes the struggle across generations to adapt to rapid change. His mother sells Turkish linens at the market while his father, a college instructor, finds himself lost amidst the whirlwind of social upheaval. Equally compelling is Uncle Alik, a veteran of the Afghan war, battling the ghosts of post-traumatic stress. His restless nights and desperate attempts to avoid reckless actions — scenes with handcuffs to a radiator — serve as a striking metaphor for the internal demons that seem to shadow the entire nation.
Transition from Adolescence to National Growth
A hallmark of the series is its unique parallel between the maturation of its characters and the "coming of age" of Russia itself. The tumultuous decade of the 1990s, marked by the aggressive accumulation of wealth, is portrayed not through the conventional depictions of gangsters or glamorous lifestyles but through the dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and the haziness of youth dreams.
This perspective sets Aksenov's work apart from other cinematic explorations of the '90s, such as Kantemir Balagov's "Tightness" or Boris Akopov's "Bull." Here, there's a conscious avoidance of excessive dramatization or attempts to romanticize those years; rather, a raw and refreshing viewpoint emerges, reminding us that even amidst societal chaos, teenagers are still just teenagers.
Cinematic Style and Performances
Ilya Aksenov, known for his work in guerilla cinema and independent projects, continues to evolve his distinctive style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Emphasizing the dynamics of acting over visual flair, Aksenov successfully centers the narrative on performance. However, the cinematography by Alexey Filippov deserves its own applause; the wide-format shots capturing the untamed beauty of provincial landscapes transform rural Russia into a surreal analog of the Wild West.
Among the notable acting talents is Stepan Devoin, who portrays Sanka's father. His character, an intelligent educator grappling with his own aspirations as he writes a novel while also trading at the market with his wife, evokes genuine empathy and admiration. Yuri Borisov's depiction of Uncle Alik and Nikita Pavlenko's character development further exemplify the depth of their portrayals.
Adolescence Amidst Violence and Dreams
The title of the series may seem light-hearted at first glance; however, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" grapples with a teenage era where fear and discovery are inextricably linked. The first episode introduces a striking symbol of the times — a black BMW — that encapsulates the themes of violence and the criminal underworld prevalent during that chaotic period. The series skillfully navigates the delicate interplay between dark comedy, drama, and the coming-of-age genre, offering viewers the opportunity to derive their interpretations from the intricate storylines.
Final Thoughts
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" is far more than just another series set in the 1990s. It represents a delicate and profound exploration that, through the eyes of its youthful characters, illuminates a nation amid its most significant transitions. Weaving together tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov crafts a work that entertains, moves, and encourages reflection on how growing up — whether at a personal or societal level — is invariably accompanied by pain and revelations.