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

In today’s television landscape, there’s a notable trend where creators reach back into the past, crafting series that not only elicit nostalgia but also encourage a fresh reflection on bygone eras. One standout example of this is Ilya Aksenov's series “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” which, while echoing the themes of the American blockbuster “Stranger Things,” uniquely highlights the realities of Russian life during the tumultuous 90s. In this article, we will explore how this project encapsulates the spirit of a generation forged in the aftermath of the Soviet Union, using the lens of nostalgic romance paired with the gritty truths of that time.

The Roots of Nostalgia

For millennials, the 90s conjure images of a tumultuous shift from the stability of Soviet life to the wild chaos of capitalism. This was not just a time defined by economic upheaval; it was a vibrant cultural renaissance that led to a wave of new expressions and possibilities. The allure of “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” lies in its ability to transport viewers back to this vibrant period through the eyes of teenagers navigating a world filled with clandestine rooftops, bustling markets, and the audio-visual vibrancy of VHS tapes.

While “Stranger Things” immerses us in the nostalgia of America’s 80s, its Russian counterpart dives into the messy, exhilarating 90s, a time that was equal parts freedom and disorder. This delicate balancing act resonates throughout every facet of the series—from its detailed set designs and evocative musical scores to its multifaceted storylines that breathe life into this significant era.

Plot: Adventures of Teens in a Crime-Infested Reality

The narrative unfolds around four teenagers: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya, who form a tight-knit group known colloquially as the “Brotherhood of the Roof.” Their escapades thrust them into conflicts that encapsulate the essence of their time. On one hand, they find themselves contending with local bullies, while on the other, they become embroiled in the rivalry between two criminal factions: battle-hardened Afghan veterans and the ruthless Caucasian mafia. This plot trajectory offers a lens into the 90s atmosphere through the eyes of adolescents untainted by overt adult cynicism, capturing their authentic and emotional responses to the chaos surrounding them.

What stands out is the way these teenagers simultaneously grapple with greater conflicts while navigating their personal realms of feelings and familial relationships. For instance, Sanya's mother tackles the daunting task of maintaining their household while wrestling with the ghosts of her troubled marriage. Sanya’s grandfather promotes a culture of strength, while his father, a timid writer, struggles to rise above the pressures of their volatile era.

Drawing Inspiration from the Past

The parallels to “Stranger Things” are striking: a group of friends facing dangers that immerse audiences in a very specific cultural moment. Yet, instead of delving into the fantastical, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” brings forth tangible threats relevant to the post-Soviet audience. Here, monsters from alternative realms are replaced with the ever-looming presence of gangsters known as "wolves" and "bulls," figures that embody the criminal allure of that time.

Aesthetic choices in the series merit attention as well. Flashbacks are artfully styled to mimic the rewind of a video cassette, while conflicts are captured through lengthy, continuous takes that allow viewers to feel fully enveloped in the unfolding drama. One particularly unforgettable scene is the market devastation, a vivid nod to a similar confrontation depicted in the film “Bull.”

The Cultural Essence of the 90s in Detail

The series' sets and props meticulously evoke the era's aesthetic:

• Street Markets: Featuring raw denim jeans and caps emblazoned with “USA California.”
• Pop Culture References: Walls plastered with posters of Sylvester Stallone and clips from “Kickboxer,” setting the tone of youth and heroism.
• Gaming Nostalgia: The characters bond over the Dendy console, battling it out in “Street Fighter,” highlighting the prevalence of pirated copies of Western products.

Musically, the series strikes a harmonious blend between era-defining hits (like those from Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway) and modernized revisitations—like Sirjotkin’s cover of “Breath” by Nautilus Pompilius—creating a rich auditory landscape that enhances the viewing experience.

Gender Dynamics and Toxic Masculinity

Fascinatingly, while strong female characters, such as Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Alika's girlfriend, emerge prominently, the series remains a reflection of a patriarchal culture. Women are depicted battling for their place in a world dominated by men who still abide by the stringent rules of the chaotic 90s. Nonetheless, the portrayal of these women enriches the narrative, serving as a poignant reminder that the transformative tide of change impacted everyone, regardless of gender.

The Importance of “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!”

This series not only masterfully reconstructs the atmosphere of the 90s but also reinterprets it through the lens of contemporary times. It stands as both an engaging entertainment piece and a cultural exploration, illustrating how the millennial generation, shaped amidst chaos, forged its own set of values.

Moreover, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” functions as a dialogue between past and present, akin to the greatest works, bridging the gap between diverse generations of viewers.