Exploring the 90s through Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!

Contemporary television has a knack for revisiting bygone eras, crafting narratives that not only evoke a sense of nostalgia but also foster a deeper understanding of the times gone by. The series “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” crafted by Ilya Aksenov stands as a vivid representation of such cinematic approaches, drawing parallels with the American sensation “Stranger Things,” yet firmly anchored in Russian realities. In this exploration, we will dissect how the series filters the romanticism of the 90s, illuminating the experiences of a generation that emerged from the fragments of the USSR.

The Genesis of Nostalgia

For millennials, the 90s invoke a whirlwind transition from the consistent, if oppressive, confines of Soviet life to the tumultuous embrace of capitalism. This era was not just marked by economic upheaval but also characterized by a remarkable cultural renaissance. The allure of “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” lies in its ability to channel the spirit of the time through the eyes of teenagers navigating the intersecting realms of urban rooftops, bustling markets, and clunky VHS tapes.

While “Stranger Things” immerses audiences in the vibrant scenes of 1980s America, this series brings forth the distinctive fabric of 90s Russia, a decade punctuated by both liberty and turmoil. This delicate balance is palpable in every facet of the show—right from the richly decorated sets and carefully curated soundtracks to poignant story arcs.

Plot: Teen Adventures in a Crime-Fueled Reality

The narrative centers around four companions: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. As a collective known as “The Brotherhood of the Roof,” they find themselves entangled in chaos that mirrors the very essence of the decade. On one side, there’s the rivalry with local ruffians, and on the other, their involvement in a bitter feud between two rival crime syndicates: veterans returning from Afghanistan and the burgeoning Caucasian mafia. This plotline offers a lens through which the 90s' atmosphere is examined, all viewed through the youthful, untainted perspectives of adolescents untouched by adult cynicism.

Of particular interest is how these teens, grappling with external conflicts, also strive to untangle their own emotional landscapes and familial relationships. For instance, Sanya's mother juggles household duties while grappling with memories of a strained marriage, his grandfather instills a cult of strength, and a weak-willed father—a struggling writer—finds himself ill-equipped to confront the tumult of the era.

Inspiration Drawn from History

The comparisons with “Stranger Things” are unmistakable: a group of friends faces dangers that immerse viewers in a specific historical atmosphere. However, unlike the world of fantasy, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” presents tangible threats, well-known to those familiar with post-Soviet life. Here, there are no monsters from alternate dimensions; instead, the narrative presents real-life threats—a duo of “wolves” and “bulls”—criminals whose personas encapsulate the romanticism of the criminal underworld of the time.

The visual allure of the show deserves commendation as well. Flashbacks are cleverly designed like rewinding video tapes, while scenes of conflict are depicted in extended, unbroken shots, creating an immersive experience. One particularly memorable sequence involves the chaos of a market demolition, drawing a parallel to an analogous scene in the movie “Bull.”

The Culture of the 90s in Nuanced Detail

The series’ sets and props meticulously reflect the aesthetic of the decade:

• Flea Markets: The actors sport vintage jeans and caps emblazoned with “USA California.”
• Pop Culture: Walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and scenes from “Kickboxer” punctuate their environments.
• Video Game Console: The characters engage in spirited bouts of “Street Fighter” on the Dendy, highlighting the popularity of pirated Western games.

Musically, the show intricately weaves together hits from the period (such as Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway) with modern reinterpretations, creating a soundtrack that vibrantly echoes both the past and present, notably seen in Sirotkin’s cover of “Breath” originally by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, despite the presence of strong female characters, including Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Alik’s girlfriend, the series remains a mirror of patriarchal culture. Women find themselves fighting for their place in a world often dictated by the rules of the turbulent 90s. Yet, these female portrayals enrich the narrative, reminding viewers that the transformative era affected all individuals, regardless of gender.

The Significance of “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!”

This series not only masterfully recreates the ambiance of the 90s but also reinterprets it through a contemporary lens. It is a dual-edged sword—an entertaining spectacle and a cultural examination that reveals how a generation of millennials, shaped amidst chaos, crafted their own values.

Furthermore, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” serves as a dialogue between past and present, akin to the finest artistic creations that unite audiences across different generations.