Exploring Teenage Life in 90s Russia: A Review
The Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey Through the Teenage Era of the 90s
The recently unveiled series by Ilya Aksenov, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" on the streaming platform Premier, transcends mere storytelling about adolescence in the 1990s. It serves as an immersive expedition into a distinctive period in Russian history, aptly portrayed through the lens of teenagers living in a small provincial town. This project skillfully intertwines nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, crafting a profound and intricate tapestry of the era characterized by the initial accumulation of wealth.
Teenage Life Against a Backdrop of Social Transformation
Set in the year 1993 in the Tula region of Russia, the series unfolds the lives of school friends Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and the red-haired Zhenya. These young characters navigate their days skulking around garages and scaling the rooftops of their high-rise buildings, all while dreaming of the future and grappling with the universal dilemmas of adolescence. The hormonal surges, abandoned musical aspirations, and first brushes with romance are all interwoven with the stark reality surrounding their family lives and societal challenges.
Sanka's family epitomizes the struggle of different generations coping with change. His mother sells Turkish linens at the market, whereas his father, a university lecturer, finds himself disoriented amidst the social upheaval. Notable among the supporting cast is Uncle A Lik, a veteran of the Afghan war, who battles the shadows of post-traumatic stress disorder. The scenes depicting his frantic attempts to stave off reckless behavior, such as being handcuffed to a radiator, symbolize the internal struggles that seem to haunt the entire nation.
Transition from Puberty to the Nation's Coming of Age
A striking aspect of the series is the parallel drawn between the maturation of its protagonists and the 'coming of age' of Russia itself. The 1990s, marked by initial wealth accumulation, are depicted not through the typical lens of criminals or glamour, but rather through dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and the careless oblivion of youth.
This distinctive approach differentiates Aksenov's project from other cinematic portrayals of the 90s, such as Kantemir Balagov's "Tightness" or Boris Akopov's "Bull." There’s neither excessive melodrama nor an attempt to romanticize those years; instead, it offers an honest and refreshing perspective, reminding us that even amidst catastrophic social changes, teenagers remain teenagers.
Cinematic Style and Performance
Ilya Aksenov, whose previous work includes guerrilla cinema and indie projects, brings his unique style to "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" with an emphasis on strong performances and narrative dynamics rather than flashy visuals. However, cinematographer Alexey Filippov deserves special recognition for his wide-format shots that showcase the wild provincial landscapes, conjuring a sense of a modern-day Wild West in Russia.
Among the acting revelations is Stepan Devonin, portraying Sanka's father. His character, an intellectual educator who secretly writes a novel while juggling market activities with his wife, evokes sincere empathy and respect. Yuri Borisov, as Uncle A Lik, alongside Nikita Pavlenko, exhibit deep exploration into their roles, adding layers to the narrative.
An Era of Violence and Dreams
The series' lightweight title can be deceiving. "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" tackles a teenager's reality where fear coexists with discovery. The first episode introduces a powerful era symbol—the black BMW, representing violence and the criminal underworld. Yet, the series deftly balances dark comedy, drama, and coming-of-age storytelling, allowing viewers the freedom to interpret the narrative threads in their own way.
Final Thoughts
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" emerges as more than a run-of-the-mill 90s series. It serves as a subtle yet impactful examination of a country undergoing significant transformation through the eyes of its youth. By blending tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov crafts a piece that entertains, moves, and prompts reflection on how the journey of growing up—whether personal or collective—inevitably entwines with pain and revelation.