Exploring the 90s in 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
The Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey into the Teenage Era of the 90s
The recently released series by Ilya Aksenov, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", available on the streaming service Premier, presents a narrative that transcends mere storytelling. It invites viewers on a vivid adventure through a distinctive epoch in Russia, showcasing the lives of teenagers amidst the unique dynamics of a small provincial town. This artistic endeavor artfully intertwines nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, crafting a complex and layered portrayal of the era marked by the initial accumulation of capital.
Teenage Life Amidst Social Transformation
Set against the backdrop of 1993 in the Tula region, the heart of this compelling narrative lies with the main characters: the schoolmates Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and the fiery-haired Zhenya. Their daily escapades, spent loitering behind garages, scaling the rooftops of tall buildings, and chasing dreams of a brighter future, encapsulate the quintessential teen experience. However, these youthful aspirations are intricately woven with the challenge of confronting typical adolescent issues.
The tumult of hormones, abandoned musical dreams, and budding romances is sharply contrasted with the harsh realities of their familial and social contexts. Consider Sanya's family, representing a microcosm of generational struggle during a time of upheaval: his mother sells Turkish textiles at the local market, clinging to tradition, while his father, once a university educator, finds himself adrift in the cyclone of social change. Further adding depth is Uncle Alik, a Vietnam War veteran grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder. His nightly skirmishes against recklessness and the chilling imagery of him handcuffed to a radiator vividly symbolize a national battle against internal demons that mirror many lives struggling under the weight of societal transformation.
From Puberty to the Nation's Coming of Age
One of the series' most striking qualities is the calculated parallel drawn between the protagonists' journeys into adulthood and the gradual maturation of Russia itself. Slipping into the 1990s—a time characterized by the rugged accumulation of capital—the series does not fall prey to the cliched depictions of gangsters or glamorous lifestyles. Instead, it captures the essence of this era through dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and the dreamlike naivety of youth.
By sidestepping excessive dramatization or romanticization of these tumultuous years, Aksenov's project stands apart from other cinematic works focusing on the 90s, such as Kantemir Balagov's "Tightness" or Boris Akopov's "Bull". What emerges is not only a refreshing lens but a candid portrayal reminding us that regardless of societal cataclysms, the teenage spirit remains resilient and undeterred.
Cinematic Style and Acting Performances
Ilya Aksenov, known for his work within the guerrilla cinema genre and independent projects, skillfully continues to evolve his unique style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!". The series emphasizes powerful performances and dynamic character interactions over visual flourish. Nevertheless, the cinematography by Alexey Filippov deserves special mention; wide-angle shots filled with hints of untamed provincial landscapes present a Russian heartland reminiscent of the Wild West.
The standout performances include Stepan Devoin portraying Sanya's father—an otherwise dignified instructor secretly harboring dreams as he navigates a new reality of commerce alongside his wife in the market. His character is a vivid exploration of vulnerability and compromise, generating empathy from the audience. Additionally, Yuri Borisov and Nikita Pavlenko add depth to their respective roles in ways that leave a lasting impression.
A Teenager's Era of Violence and Dream
The title of the series, though seemingly lighthearted, belies the complex themes underscoring adolescent life during a time replete with both dread and discovery. In its very first episode, a symbol of the age appears: a black BMW, which becomes an emblem of the accompanying violence and criminal undertow. However, the series adroitly maintains a balance, incorporating elements of dark comedy, drama, and coming-of-age narratives, inviting viewers to interpret plot developments on their own terms.
Final Thoughts
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" is not just another tale reminiscing about the 90s—it is an intricate work that uses the experiences of youth to reflect on the country's most transformative periods. By blending tragedy with humor and a touch of nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov crafts a narrative that is equal parts entertaining, moving, and thought-provoking. It is a poignant reminder that the path to adulthood—whether personal or societal—is invariably intertwined with pain and self-discovery.