Exploring the 90s: A Deep Dive into 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
The newly launched series by Ilya Aksenov, titled "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" on the Premier streaming service, is much more than a mere coming-of-age narrative set in the 1990s; it's a heartfelt excursion into a uniquely transformative epoch of Russia, depicted through the lives of teenagers residing in a quaint provincial town. This project weaves together nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, crafting a rich and intricate tableau of the era marked by capital's initial accumulation.
Teenage Life Amidst Social Change
Set against the backdrop of Tula Oblast in the year 1993, the story unfolds around a band of schoolmates — Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and the fiery-haired Zhenya. Their daily escapades take them behind garages, atop the rooftops of high rises, and into the realms of their dreams for the future as they navigate the quintessential tribulations of adolescence. Hormonal surges, abandoned musical aspirations, and first loves intertwine with the harsh realities of their families and surroundings.
Sanka’s family stands as a quintessential representation of how different generations grappled with change. His mother sells Turkish lingerie at the market, while his father, an academic at a university, finds himself disoriented in the whirlwind of societal transformations. A particularly striking character is Uncle Alik, a veteran of the Afghan conflict, battling the shadows of post-traumatic stress disorder. His nightly struggles to keep his reckless impulses in check, complete with haunting imagery of handcuffs attached to a radiator, serve as a symbolic metaphor for the internal demons that seem to haunt an entire nation.
From Puberty to the Nation’s Adolescence
One of the standout features of this series lies in the parallel drawn between the maturation of the characters and the overarching 'growing pains' of Russia itself. The 1990s, a period characterized by the tumultuous initial accumulation of wealth, finds representation here that diverges from the usual depictions of gangsters or glamorous lifestyles. Instead, we witness dusty yards, abandoned factories, and the oblivion of youth.
This approach distinctly differentiates Aksenov’s work from other cinematic productions focused on the 90s, such as "Tightness" by Kantemir Balagov or "Bull" by Boris Akopov. There’s neither excessive dramatization nor an attempt to romanticize the past; rather, we are offered a candid and refreshing perspective that serves as a potent reminder that even amidst social catastrophes, teenagers remain true to their essence.
Cinematic Style and Performance
Ilya Aksenov, who previously dabbled in the realm of guerrilla cinema and crafted independent projects, continues to refine his distinctive style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Here, he emphasizes acting performances and character dynamics over visual grandeur. Nonetheless, the cinematography by Alexey Filippov deserves special mention; sweeping, wide-format shots infused with elements of wild provincial nature transform the Russian hinterlands into an evocative parallel to the Wild West.
Among the noteworthy acting talents is Stepan Devonin, portraying Sanka's father. His character—a cultured educator who writes a novel in secret while simultaneously hustling with his wife at the market—evokes genuine sympathy and respect. Yuri Borisov, as Uncle Alik, and Nikita Pavlenko also skillfully delve deep into their characters.
The Adolescent Era of Violence and Dreams
At first glance, the title of the series might seem deceptively light-hearted. "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" delves into a teenage period where fear and discovery walk hand in hand. In the very first episode, we encounter a harbinger of the era—a black BMW, becoming a symbol of violence and the criminal underworld. Yet, the series strikes a balance between dark comedy, drama, and the narratives of coming of age, leaving ample room for viewers to interpret the plotlines in their own way.
Final Thoughts
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transcends the realm of conventional series about the 90s. It stands as a nuanced and profound piece of work that, through youthful imagery, reveals a nation navigating through its most significant transformations. Blending tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov crafts a production that not only entertains but also tugs at the heartstrings while prompting deeper reflections on how growing up—whether personal or collective—is invariably intertwined with pain and revelations.