Exploring the 90s in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"

Modern television has taken a fascinating turn towards nostalgia, crafting series that not only evoke fond memories but also allow us to reassess bygone eras. The show, created by Ilya Aksenov, titled "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a striking illustration of this phenomenon. Drawing parallels to the American phenomenon "Stranger Things," this series shines a spotlight on Russian reality, reflecting the intricacies of a generation shaped amid the ruins of the Soviet Union.

What Fuels Nostalgia?

For millennials, the 1990s conjure images of a turbulent transition from the stability of the Soviet regime to the untamed realm of capitalism. This era was characterized not only by economic upheaval but also by an exhilarating cultural blossoming. The true allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to transport viewers back to this time through the eyes of adolescents navigating life between rooftops, bustling markets, and VHS tapes.

While "Stranger Things" immerses its audience in the American 1980s, Aksenov's creation focuses squarely on the domestic 90s, a period marked by both newfound freedoms and rampant chaos. This delicate balance is palpable throughout the series, from set design and soundtrack choices to intricate plotlines.

The Plot: Teen Adventures in a Crime-Infested Landscape

At the heart of the plot are four teenagers: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Their crew, dubbed "The Brotherhood of the Roof," becomes embroiled in conflicts that mirror the zeitgeist of their era. On one side, they clash with local bullies, while on the other, they find themselves caught in the crossfire between two rival criminal factions: veterans from Afghanistan and the Caucasian mafia. This narrative thread offers a window into the turbulent atmosphere of the 90s through the lens of youthful dilemmas, untouched by the cynicism often associated with adulthood.

Notably, as the teenagers grapple with external dangers, they also navigate complex emotions and relationships with their parents. For example, Sanka's mother struggles to manage their household while confronting memories of an oppressive marriage. His grandfather extols the virtues of strength, while his father, a spineless writer, wrestles with the overwhelming challenges of the age.

Drawn from the Past

The similarities to "Stranger Things" are striking: a group of young friends confronts grave threats, drawing the audience deep into a specific historical context. However, instead of monstrous creatures from alternate dimensions, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" presents palpable dangers familiar to a post-Soviet audience. The series lacks supernatural villains, yet features "wolves" and "bulls," gangsters whose portrayals capture the criminal allure ingrained in that era.

The visual storytelling aspects of the series are also noteworthy. Flashback sequences are conceived as the rewinding of a videotape, while conflict scenes unfold in extended takes, generating a sense of immersion. A particularly memorable scene is the destruction of a market, reminiscent of a similar episode in the film "Bull."

The Culture of the 90s: An In-Depth Look

The show's set design and props meticulously reconstruct the aesthetics of the period:

• Flea Markets: Boasting boiled denim, baseball caps with "USA California" emblazoned on them.
• Pop Culture: Walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and snippets from "Kickboxer" inform the characters’ environment.
• Gaming Consoles: The Dendy system hosts sessions of "Street Fighter," emphasizing the popularity of pirated versions of Western products.

Accompanying music from the era—featuring hits by Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway—melds seamlessly with contemporary reinterpretations, such as Siratkin’s cover of "Breathing" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

An intriguing dynamic exists within the series: despite the presence of strong female characters such as Zhenya, Sanka's mother, and Alika's girlfriend, it remains a reflection of a patriarchal culture. Women often grapple for their rightful place in a society shaped by the lawlessness of the 90s, frequently finding themselves in conflict with men still anchored to these outdated ideologies. Nonetheless, these female portrayals lend depth to the narrative, underscoring that the transformative era impacted everyone, regardless of gender.

The Significance of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"

This series does more than adeptly recreate the essence of the 90s; it also reexamines that decade through the lens of contemporary sensibilities. It serves as both a captivating entertainment piece and a cultural exploration, showcasing how a millennial generation, forged in chaos, has defined its values.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" stands as a dialogue between the past and present, connecting viewers from different generations much like the finest works of art. Its ability to foster this connection underscores its importance in today’s cultural landscape.