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

Why “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” Mirrors the 90s and Our “Stranger Things”

Modern television often reaches back into the past, crafting shows that not only spark nostalgia but also provide a fresh lens through which to reinterpret those olden days. Ilia Aksenov's series “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” serves as a vivid representation of this approach, drawing parallels to the American sensation “Stranger Things.” However, it does so while vividly painting the local realities of Russia in the turbulent decade of the 1990s. In this piece, we will delve into how the project narratively filters the romanticized lens of the 90s to portray a generation emerging from the ruins of the USSR.

What Sparks Nostalgia?

For millennials, the 90s symbolize a tumultuous shift from the iron-clad stability of Soviet life to the wild, unpredictable nature of capitalism. This was a time marked not just by economic turmoil but also by an extraordinary cultural renaissance. The charm of “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” lies in its ability to offer a glimpse into this period through the eyes of teenagers navigating a landscape filled with tenement rooftops, bustling markets, and the grainy allure of VHS tapes.

While “Stranger Things” dives into the American experience of the vibrant 80s, Aksenov's creation explores the domestic realities of the 90s—a time simultaneously echoing with the sounds of newfound freedom and the chaos that came with it. This delicate equilibrium permeates every facet of the series—from its set designs and musical undertones to its highly relatable story arcs.

Plot: Adventures of Teens Entwined in a Criminal Landscape

The narrative revolves around a tight-knit group of four adolescents: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. This collection of friends, dubbed "The Brotherhood of the Roof," finds themselves embroiled in conflicts that parallel the inexplicable spirit of the time. On one hand, they engage in turf wars against local bullies; on the other, they become entangled in a more profound strife between two criminal factions—the veterans of the Afghan conflict and the Caucasian mafia. This storyline opens a window to the tumultuous atmosphere of the 90s, filtered through the innocent yet chaotic lens of adolescence.

Adding depth to the plot, the teens also navigate their own internal struggles, wrestling with emotions and relationships with their parents. For instance, Sanya's mother juggles the responsibilities of the household while confronting painful memories from an abusive marriage. Meanwhile, Sanya’s grandfather promotes the cult of strength, while his father, a feeble writer, finds himself unable to rise to the challenges of this new era.

Inspiration from the Past

The comparisons to “Stranger Things” are unmistakable: a group of friends braves lurking dangers, immersing audiences into a vividly realized time period. Yet, rather than delving into pure fantasy, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” showcases tangible threats familiar to its post-Soviet audience. Instead of fantastical monsters from alternate realms, the drama introduces aggressive street gangs, depicted as ‘wolves’ and ‘bulls’—criminals whose lives reflect the gritty romanticism of that era.

The cinematographic choices merit attention as well. Flashbacks play out in a stylized manner reminiscent of rewinding a tape, while conflict scenes are captured in long, unbroken takes that enhance the viewer’s immersion in the story. One particularly memorable scene features the destruction of a market, echoing a similar moment from the film "Bull."

The Culture of the 90s in Rich Detail

The series excels at recreating the elusive aesthetic of the time with great attention to its set design and props:

• Flea Markets: featuring boiled jeans, and baseball caps emblazoned with “USA California.”
• Pop Culture: Posters of Sylvester Stallone and frames from “Kickboxer” adorn the walls of the characters' homes.
• Gaming Culture: The Dendy video game console serves as a nostalgic touchpoint; the characters engage in epic battles within “Street Fighter,” showcasing the popularity of pirated Western games.

Musically, the show threads together iconic hits from the period like Dr. Alban and Haddaway with modern reinterpretations, such as Siratkin’s cover of “Breath” by Nautilus Pompilius, creating a tapestry of past and present.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, despite the series boasting strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanya’s mother, and Alika’s girlfriend, it still reflects a patriarchal culture. Women often find themselves battling for their place in a world dominated by men who abide by the unwritten rules of the 'wild 90s.' Nevertheless, these female roles enrich the narrative, serving as poignant reminders that the epoch of change affected everyone, not just the men.

Why “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” Matters

This series not only masterfully reconstructs the essence of the 90s but also reinterprets it through a modern lens. It transcends its role as mere entertainment to become a cultural exploration, depicting how millennials shaped their values against a backdrop of chaos.

Moreover, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” fosters a dialogue between the past and the present, reminiscent of the best artistic creations that manage to connect audiences across generations.