Exploring 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!' and the '90s
Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Mirrors the '90s and Our "Stranger Things"
In the vast realm of contemporary television, there’s an intriguing trend that often focuses on the past, crafting series that serve not only to ignite nostalgia but also to encourage a re-evaluation of bygone eras. One striking example of this phenomenon is Ilya Aksenov's series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" This captivating show draws parallels to the American sensation "Stranger Things," albeit with a lens finely tuned to Russian realities. This article aims to dissect how this project, through the nostalgic filters of the '90s, narrates the coming-of-age story of a generation shaped amid the ruins of the USSR.
The Roots of Nostalgia
For millennials, the '90s evoke memories of a tumultuous transition from the stability of Soviet life to the wild, uncharted waters of capitalism. This decade was not merely marked by economic upheaval; it brimmed with an incredible cultural renaissance. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its unique ability to portray this transformative period through the eyes of teenagers navigating the urban landscapes filled with rooftops, bustling markets, and VHS tapes.
While "Stranger Things" immerses viewers in the vibrant scene of 1980s America, the setting of this series transports us to the chaotic essence of the '90s in Russia. It captures an era steeped in both freedom and disorder, a delicate balance that resonates throughout every element of the show—from its visual design to the musical score and intricate plots.
Plot: The Adventures of Teens in a Gritty Reality
At the heart of the tale are four teenagers: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. This group, affectionately dubbed "The Brotherhood of the Rooftop," becomes embroiled in conflicts that echo the spirit of the age. On one hand, they contend with local bullies; on the other, they find themselves caught in the crossfire of rival crime factions: veterans of the Afghan war and the Caucasian mafia. This narrative arc offers a lens into the tough atmosphere of the '90s through the prism of youthful experiences free from adult cynicism.
What makes their journey particularly fascinating is how these youngsters grapple with their inner struggles alongside the societal conflicts. For instance, Sanka's mother manages household pressures while wrestling with painful memories of a troubled marriage. Meanwhile, his grandfather espouses the cult of strength, and his father—a timid writer—struggles to uphold his dignity in an era rife with challenges.
A Tribute to the Past
The comparisons with "Stranger Things" are unmistakable: a close-knit group of friends facing dangers that immerse the audience in a specific temporal atmosphere. However, rather than dipping into a pool of fantasy, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" presents real-world threats that resonate deeply with the post-Soviet audience. Instead of monsters from alternate dimensions, viewers encounter the gritty realities of "wolves" and "bulls"—gangsters whose very personas encapsulate the criminal allure of that time.
The series’ visual storytelling merits a spotlight as well. Flashbacks are creatively depicted like rewound tapes, and scenes of conflict are shot in lengthy, uninterrupted takes, enhancing the immersive experience. A particularly memorable moment is the scene of a marketplace riot, reminiscent of a similar sequence in the film "Bull."
The Culture of the '90s in Fine Detail
The series' set design and props meticulously replicate the aesthetic of the time, featuring:
- Marketplaces: Stocked with boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California."
- Pop Culture Artifacts: Posters of Sylvester Stallone and scenes from the film "Kickboxer" adorn the walls of the characters’ homes.
- Gaming Consoles: The characters enjoy "Street Fighter" on the Dendy gaming console, highlighting the popularity of pirated Western products.
Musically, the soundtrack seamlessly weaves together chart-topping hits from the era (Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) alongside modern reinterpretations, such as Sirotkin's version of "Breath" from Nautilus Pompilius.
Gender and Toxic Masculinity
An interesting facet of the series is its portrayal of strong female characters, including Zhenya, Sanka's mother, and Alika’s girlfriend, all of whom navigate a patriarchal society. These women must assert themselves in a world often dominated by men who adhere to the rules of the "wild '90s." Despite this, the presence of female figures enriches the narrative, reminding us that the era of transformation impacted everyone.
The Significance of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"
This series not only expertly reconstructs the '90s atmosphere but also recontextualizes it through today's perspective. It serves as both an engaging entertainment piece and a profound cultural exploration, illuminating how the millennial generation, born amid chaos, crafted its values and identity.
Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" opens up a dialogue between the past and present, much like the finest works of art, connecting viewers across generations.