Exploring the 90s Through 'Peace! Friendship! Gum!' Series
The series by Ilya Aksenov, titled "Peace! Friendship! Gum!", recently premiered on the streaming platform Premier, offering more than just a narrative about growing up in the 1990s. It serves as a profound exploration of a distinctive epoch in Russia, all captured through the lens of teenage life in a small provincial town. This project weaves together nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, yielding a layered and intricate portrait of an era marked by the initial surge of capitalist endeavours.
Teenage Life Amidst Social Transformations
Set against the backdrop of 1993 in the Tula region, the series brings to life a group of high school students – Sankya, Vovka, Ilya, and the fiery-haired Zhenya. Their day-to-day adventures are characterized by hanging out behind garages, loitering on the rooftops of high-rise buildings, and dreaming about the future, all while contending with the typical tribulations of adolescence. The tumult of hormonal shifts, abandoned musical ambitions, and early romances intertwine seamlessly with the stark realities presented by their families and surroundings.
Sankya's family embodies the struggles faced by varied generations adapting to change. With his mother selling Turkish linens at the market and his father, a university lecturer, bewildered by the whirlwinds of social transformation, their dynamic reflects a common narrative of the time. Equally poignant is Uncle Alik, a veteran of the Afghan war, who grapples with post-traumatic stress disorder. His night-time battles to subdue reckless instincts, featuring symbolic scenes of handcuffs tethered to radiators, represent a broader metaphor of confronting inner demons that seem to plague an entire nation.
From Puberty to the Nation's Maturation
One of the remarkable aspects of this series lies in the parallel it draws between the maturation of its characters and the "coming of age" of Russia itself. The 1990s, an era of foundational capital accumulation, is portrayed not through stereotypical narratives of gangsters or glamour, but through dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and the blissful ignorance of youth.
This approach distinguishes Aksenov's project from other cinematic works set in the 90s, such as "Tightness" by Kantemir Balagov or "Bull" by Boris Akopov. There are no overt dramatizations or attempts to romanticize those years. Instead, the series offers a raw and refreshing perspective, reminding viewers that even during periods of social catastrophes, teenagers will always remain teenagers.
Cinematic Style and Actor Performances
Ilya Aksenov, known for his work in guerilla cinema and independent projects, continues to cultivate his unique style in "Peace! Friendship! Gum!". He emphasizes performances and dynamism over visual excesses. However, the cinematography by Alexey Filippov deserves a special mention: the widescreen shots, infused with elements of unrefined provincial nature, transform the rural Russian landscape into an echo of the Wild West.
Among the artistic breakthroughs is Stepan Devonin, who portrays Sankya's father. His character is an intellectual teacher, quietly crafting a novel while simultaneously forced to sell goods at the market with his wife. This duality evokes genuine sympathy and respect. Yuri Borisov as Uncle Alik and Nikita Pavlenko also present deep, thoughtfully developed characters that resonate powerfully with the audience.
The Teenage Era of Violence and Aspirations
The title of the series may seem deceptively light-hearted, yet "Peace! Friendship! Gum!" captures an adolescent era where fear and discovery coexist hand in hand. In the very first episode, a black BMW appears as a symbolic representation of violence and the criminal underbelly. Nonetheless, the series skillfully navigates the balance between dark comedy, drama, and the journey of maturation, leaving the audience free to interpret the narrative threads as they see fit.
Final Thoughts
"Peace! Friendship! Gum!" transcends the realm of being just another series set in the 90s. It represents a profound and intricate piece of storytelling that, through the images of its teenage characters, reflects the country during one of its most significant transitions. By intertwining tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov crafts a work that not only entertains but also touches the heart and prompts reflection on how both personal and societal growth invariably accompany pain and discovery.