Exploring 90s Nostalgia in Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!

Modern television frequently takes a nostalgic dive into the past, weaving together series that not only evoke fond memories but also prompt a re-evaluation of various eras. The series by Ilya Aksenov, Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!, stands as a vibrant illustration of this trend, conjuring parallels with the American phenomenon Stranger Things, albeit tinted with distinctly Russian realities. In this exploration, we will dissect how the project narrates the story of a generation that emerged from the remnants of the USSR, framed through the rose-colored glasses of 90s nostalgia.

The Roots of Nostalgia

For millennials, the 1990s conjure up images of a tumultuous transition from Soviet stability to the wild strains of capitalism. This decade was not simply marked by economic upheaval; it was also a period of astonishing cultural flourishing. The allure of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! lies in its ability to transport viewers into the lives of teenagers navigating the alleyways, marketplaces, and VHS tapes of their youth.

If Stranger Things captures the quintessential vibe of 1980s America, then Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! serves as a window into the chaotic yet liberating era of 90s Russia—an epoch rife with freedom and confusion. This duality saturates every facet of the series, from its set designs and musical accompaniments to its intricate plotlines.

Plot: Teenagers Adventures Amidst Criminal Reality

At the heart of the narrative are four adolescents: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. This crew, famously dubbed the "Brotherhood of the Roof," finds itself embroiled in conflicts that encapsulate the essence of their times. On one front, they grapple with local bullies, while on another, they become entangled in clashes between two powerful criminal factions—the Afghan war veterans and the Caucasian mafia. This central plotline allows viewers to perceive the zeitgeist of the 90s through the unjaded lens of youth, devoid of adult cynicism.

Additionally, the characters are not just battling external threats; they are also wrestling with their own emotions and familial relationships. For instance, Sanya's mother juggles domestic duties while haunted by memories of a difficult marriage. At the same time, his grandfather champions a cult of strength, and his father, a weak-willed writer, struggles to adapt to the challenges of a changing world.

Inspiration from the Past

The parallels drawn with Stranger Things are unmistakable: a group of friends confronting dangers, immersing the audience in a specific historical context. However, whereas the former taps into the realm of fantasy, Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! immerses viewers in starkly real threats familiar to a post-Soviet audience. Instead of monsters from alternate dimensions, we encounter "wolves" and "bulls"—the bandits whose presence vividly encapsulates the criminal allure of that era.

Visually, the series employs clever techniques; flashbacks are presented as if one is fast-forwarding through a VHS tape, while action sequences are captured in lengthy, unbroken shots that foster a sense of immediacy. One particularly striking scene, the assault on a marketplace, echoes a similar moment from the film The Bull, leaving a lasting impression.

90s Culture in Exquisite Detail

The attention to detail in the series' sets and props meticulously conjures the aesthetic of the 90s:

• Flea Markets: From boiled jeans to caps emblazoned with "USA California."
• Pop Culture: Posters of Sylvester Stallone and clips from Kickboxer decorate the protagonists' walls.
• Gaming Consoles: The characters are seen playing Street Fighter on a Dendy console, highlighting the popularity of pirated copies of Western products.

The musical backdrop seamlessly blends hits from the era—think Dr. Alban and Haddaway—with contemporary reimagined covers, like Sirotkin’s take on Nautilus Pompilius’ Breath.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, despite the presence of strong female characters—such as Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Alika's girlfriend—the series mirrors a patriarchal society. The women are often depicted fighting for their place in a world dominated by men, many of whom still abide by the machinations of the "wild 90s." Nevertheless, the portrayal of female figures adds complexity to the narrative, reminding us that the tides of change affected everyone.

The Significance of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!

This series does more than recreate the atmosphere of the 90s; it reframes that decade through a contemporary lens. It serves as both an entertaining narrative and a cultural critique, illustrating how millennials, shaped amidst chaos, forged their own values.

Moreover, Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! fosters a dialogue between past and present, much like the best of artistic endeavors that bridge generational gaps, uniting diverse audiences in appreciation.