Exploring the 90s with 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
The series by Ilya Aksenov, titled "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", recently launched on the streaming platform Premier, emerges as more than just a coming-of-age tale set in the nineties. It unfolds as an immersive expedition into a distinct period of Russian history, narrated through the lives of adolescents in a small provincial town. This project beautifully intertwines nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, weaving a rich and multi-dimensional tapestry that represents the era of initial capital accumulation in Russia.
Teenage Life Amidst Social Shifts
Set in the year 1993 within the Tula region, the narrative draws us into the world of its youthful protagonists—Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and the fiery-haired Zhenya. Their days unfold behind garages, atop towering apartment blocks, filled with dreams for the future while navigating the tumultuous waters of typical teenage dilemmas. The bubbling hormone surges, abandoned musical aspirations, and budding romances intertwine with the stark realities of their familial and social environments.
In particular, Sanya's family serves as a quintessential representation of how various generations grappled with change. His mother sells Turkish linens at the market, while his father, a college professor, struggles to find his footing amidst the whirlwind of societal upheaval. Another prominent figure is Uncle Alik, a veteran of the Afghan War, who battles with post-traumatic stress disorder. His nightly struggles to resist reckless behavior, portrayed through poignant scenes with handcuffs tethered to a radiator, serve as metaphorical imagery of a nationwide battle against internal demons that seem to haunt the entire country.
From Adolescence to a Nation's Coming of Age
One of the defining qualities of the series is the captivating parallel drawn between the characters' maturation and the "coming of age" of Russia itself. The 1990s era is not painted through the conventional lenses of criminality or glamour but is portrayed through dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and the naiveté of youth, casting a fresh perspective on a tumultuous time in history.
This approach distinctly separates Aksenov's project from other cinematic renditions of the nineties, such as "Tightness" by Kantemir Balagov or "The Bull" by Boris Akopov. The absence of exaggerated dramatization or attempts to romanticize the era conveys an honest and rejuvenating narrative—serving as a reminder that even amidst societal calamities, teenagers will always remain teenagers.
Cinematic Style and Performances
Ilya Aksenov, previously dabbling in guerrilla cinema and creating independent projects, continues to hone his signature style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Highlighting the performances and dynamics over visual extravagance, the cinematic execution nevertheless shines through. Notably, the camerawork by Aleksey Filippov deserves special recognition; wide-format shots featuring elements of the rugged provincial landscape transform the Russian countryside into a parallel to the Wild West.
Emerging as a remarkable talent is Stepan Devonin, portraying Sanya's father. His character—a cultured educator penning an unpublished novel while simultaneously selling wares at the market with his wife—evokes genuine sympathy and respect. Furthermore, Yuri Borisov as Uncle Alik and Nikita Pavlenko reveal profound depth in their character portrayals, enriching the story.
An Era of Violence and Dreams
The title of the series, seemingly light-hearted, belies the much more complex undertones. "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" encapsulates a teenage era where fear and discovery coexist. Right from the first episode, a symbol of the time emerges in the form of a black BMW, representing the violence and the criminal underworld. However, the series deftly balances elements of dark comedy, drama, and the nuances of coming of age, allowing viewers the freedom to interpret the evolving storylines in diverse ways.