Exploring 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!' and the 90s
Modern television has a fascinating tendency to reach back into the past, crafting series that evoke nostalgia while helping us to reinterpret bygone eras. A prime example of this trend is the series by Ilya Aksenov, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", which resonates strongly with the unforgettable nostalgia of the 90s and mirrors the popular American hit "Stranger Things"—yet with a distinct Russain twist. In this article, we will delve into how the series employs the filters of nostalgic romance to depict the emergence of a generation molded from the ashes of the USSR.
The Roots of Nostalgia
For millennials, the 1990s evoke memories of a tumultuous shift—from the dependable stability of the Soviet Union to the chaotic whirlwind of capitalist ventures. This decade was marked not only by economic hardships but also by an unprecedented cultural renaissance. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to reflect this period through the lens of teenagers navigating their world amid weathered rooftops, bustling markets, and the flickering glow of VHS tapes.
If "Stranger Things" transports viewers back to the American 80s, then "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" casts a spotlight on the 90s in Russia—an era imbued with both freedom and disorder. This delicate balance permeates every facet of the series, from its authentic set designs to its engaging musical score and intricate storylines.
Plot: Teen Adventures in a Criminal Landscape
At the heart of the narrative are four teens: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Their group, dubbed the "Brotherhood of Rooftops", becomes embroiled in conflicts that poignantly capture the spirit of the times. They navigate rivalries with local bullies, all while getting caught in the crossfire between two criminal factions: Afghanistan war veterans and the Caucasian mafia. Through their youthful struggles, the audience is granted a glimpse into the 90s atmosphere, as seen through the eyes of adolescents untainted by adult cynicism.
A striking aspect of the series is its exploration of personal struggles alongside external conflicts. For instance, Sanka’s mother, battling memories of a difficult marriage, strives to maintain a stable home. Meanwhile, her grandfather embodies a cult of strength, and Sanka’s father—a timid writer—struggles to confront the challenges posed by this vibrant yet chaotic epoch.
Drawing Inspiration from the Past
The parallels to "Stranger Things" are unmistakable: a core group of friends stands against formidable challenges, enveloping the audience in a very specific historical context. However, unlike the supernatural elements of its American counterpart, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" presents authentic threats familiar to its post-Soviet viewership. While there are no monsters from parallel universes, ominous figures like "wolves" and "bulls"—local gangsters—encapsulate the criminal romanticism of that period.
The visual artistry of the series is equally noteworthy. Flashbacks are ingeniously styled as if rewinding a videotape, and confrontation scenes are depicted in lengthy, unbroken shots, enhancing the immersive experience. One particularly memorable scene involves the destruction of a marketplace, paying homage to a similar episode in the film "Bull".
The Culture of the 90s in Detail
The series meticulously recreates the aesthetic of the era through its backdrop and props:
- Marketplaces: Vintage jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California".
- Pop Culture: Walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and scenes from "Kickboxer".
- Gaming: The iconic Dendy console, where characters engage in epic button-mashing battles of "Street Fighter", showcasing the prevalence of pirated Western media.
Musically, the series features an eclectic mix of era-defining hits—think Dr. Alban and Irina Allegrova—with contemporary reinterpretations like Suritkin's cover of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius enriching the listening experience.
Gender and Toxic Masculinity
Interestingly, despite the presence of strong female characters, such as Zhenya, Sanka’s mother, and Alica’s girlfriend, the series still reflects a patriarchal culture. Women are depicted as needing to fight for their places within this daunting world, often facing off against men adhering to the old-school codes of the "wild 90s". Still, female characters infuse depth into the narrative, reminding viewers that the tides of change swept through each segment of society.
Why"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Holds Significance
This series goes beyond merely recreating the atmosphere of the 90s; it ingeniously reexamines that period through the lens of modernity. It serves as both an entertaining spectacle and a cultural study, illustrating how the millennial generation—shaped amidst chaos—has forged its own set of values.
Ultimately, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" stands as a dialogue between the past and present, akin to the finest literary works that unite audiences across generations, offering more than just entertainment but a reflective commentary on the ever-evolving tapestry of society.