Exploring the Impact of 90s Russia on Art and Youth

The 90s: An Era That Left an Indelible Mark

The 1990s in Russia stand out as a decade that etched profound impressions on the minds and souls of an entire generation. Anyone who experienced this tumultuous period could not escape the myriad challenges it presented – challenges that often felt insurmountable. Artistic reflections from this era frequently carry the weight of sorrow, loss, and sharp memories. Yet amid these somber realities, there existed a space for youthful carefreeness, bright dreams, and, of course, an enduring sense of hope.

Cinematic Chronicle: "Tender Age"

Sergei Solovyov's film "Tender Age" serves as a veritable chronicle for those who could not navigate the stormy changes of the time. The screenplay, rooted in real-life accounts crafted by the director's son, Mitya, captured the essence of the era – characterized by conflicts, losses, and fragile friendships. The poignant phrase, "Out of 17 people in the group, only four survived," starkly encapsulates the stark tragic nature of that time. Solovyov, already attuned to the frailty of human existence, produced a work that reflects the harsh truths of the 90s. The film's poignant final scene, adorned with golden foil and underscored by Boris Grebenshchikov's haunting melody "I Dreamed of a Path to the North," became a powerful metaphor for the tragic divide between the living and the dead.

Youth Under the Rhythm of the 90s: "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"

In stark contrast to the bleak undertones of "Tender Age," the series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" offers a different perspective on the decade. Its creators, being younger, lived through the 90s with a somewhat less painful lens. The series resonates with an air of lightness and youthful naivety, yet it never shies away from the harsh realities at play. The romance of sun-soaked rooftops drizzled with melted tar, the concerts of "Agatha Christie" held at the Metallurg Cultural Palace, and the first clumsy attempts at romance intricately weave a multilayered atmosphere.

The protagonist, Sasha (played by Yegor Gubarev), though raised with proper etiquette, finds himself grappling with adult burdens in a chaotic world marked by criminal gangs and a swift passage into adult responsibility. His father, Fyodor Ivanovich, nods to the classic heroes of Russian literature, emphasizing the tragic fate of a child growing up in a time devoid of stable moral compasses.

Brotherhood Amidst Chaos

The camaraderie shared among Sasha, Vovan, Zhenya, and Ilyusha transcends ordinary youthful friendship; it morphs into a fierce struggle for their rightful place in life. Each summer unfolds into a relentless battle for "living space" against intimidating adult factions. Their adversaries – the "Gypsy team" and Zurab's gang – symbolize the unyielding adult world, where survival becomes the paramount goal.

In this raucous environment, teenagers matured faster than any of them anticipated. The threshold of adulthood was not delineated by school exams but by weapons, drugs, and the harrowing loss of loved ones. Even the most joyful moments—like budding relationships or the exhilarating feeling of simply saying, "we're dating"—were like rare beacons of joy in a turbulent sea of chaos.

Symbols and Cultural References

The scripts of the series are rich with symbols that underscore the tragedy of the era. The character of Fyodor Ivanovich, Sasha's father, evokes memories of suffering heroes from Russian literature, striving to uphold their dignity. His gestures, small yet poignant, such as offering a cup of ice cream to atone for his guilt towards his son, reflect the universal drama of a generation of parents caught unprepared for the shifting sands of reality.

Other characters also draw cultural references, such as Sasha's uncle, a leader of an "Afghan" brigade, who resonates with a character in the film "14+" by director Zaitsev. These intertextual links create a vivid artistic space where destinies intertwine through invisible threads.

Everyday Details: From Syringes to Video Games

The series does not shy away from gritty mundane details that vividly depict the era. Tales surface of a neighborhood dog's funeral near a hillside, of makeshift remote controls fashioned from weight plates, and of the gradual expansion of windows in panel buildings. Each element serves as a brushstroke that brings to life a daily existence filled with small joys and significant tragedies.

Transitional Russia: From Fragility to Maturity

The brilliance of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to provoke reflections on personal errors, vulnerabilities, and life lessons. It invites the audience not only to observe familiar scenes but also to experience moments that encapsulate the journey of growing up. This narrative transcends the specificities of the 90s, unfolding as a universal tale about resilience in the face of adversity.

Much like Solovyov’s film, the series leaves viewers with a brew of melancholy and hope. There is mourning for the past and those who remain forever etched within it. And there lies a glimmer of hope: the potential of transforming weaknesses and mistakes into experiences that lead to new beginnings.