Exploring 90s Nostalgia in 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'

Modern television often casts a nostalgic glance at the past, crafting series that not only evoke memories but also prompt a reevaluation of bygone eras. One sparkling example of this trend is Ilya Aksenov's series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" which brings to mind the American phenomenon "Stranger Things," albeit with a distinct focus on Russian realities. In this article, we’ll dissect how this project employs the filter of 90s romanticism to narrate the rise of a generation shaped by the remnants of the USSR.

Where Does Nostalgia Stem From?

For many millennials, the 1990s symbolize a tumultuous shift from the stable Soviet era to the wild embrace of capitalism. It was a time characterized not only by financial instability but also by a remarkable cultural explosion. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to showcase this transformative period through the eyes of teenagers navigating life amidst rooftops, bustling markets, and VHS tapes.

In contrast to the American context of "Stranger Things," which celebrates the nostalgic vibes of the 1980s, this series immerses viewers in the unique complexities of the 1990s, a time that was both liberating and chaotic. This delicate balance permeates every element of the show—from the intricate sets and musical score to the underlying narrative threads.

Plot: Teen Adventures in a Criminal Reality

At the heart of the narrative are four teenagers: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya, collectively dubbed "The Brotherhood of the Roof." Their escapades plunge them into conflicts that embody the spirit of the era. On one side, they contend with local bullies, while on the other, they find themselves ensnared in a turf war between two crime syndicates: veterans from Afghanistan and the Caucasian mafia. This storyline offers a glimpse into the 90s atmosphere through the lens of youthful experiences free from adult cynicism.

Notably, as these teens grapple with external dangers, they also explore their fluctuating identities and intricate relationships with their parents. For instance, Sanka's mother juggles household duties while wrestling with memories of a troubled marriage, while his grandfather perpetuates the cult of strength. Meanwhile, Sanka’s father, a weak-willed writer, finds himself ill-equipped to confront the challenges of the time.

Inspirations from the Past

The parallels with "Stranger Things" are undeniable: a band of friends faces peril, pulling audiences into a specific timeline. However, rather than fantastical beasts, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" introduces tangible threats recognizable to the post-Soviet audience. Here, there are no monsters from alternate dimensions; instead, there are "wolves" and "bulls"—bandits whose personas reflect the criminal allure of that age.

The series' visual style also merits attention. Flashbacks are ingeniously crafted to resemble rewound VHS tapes, while conflict scenes are shot in long, uninterrupted takes that immerse viewers in the action. One particularly memorable scene involves the destruction of a market, reminiscent of a similar sequence from the film "Bull."

The Culture of the 90s in Detail

The show's decorations and props meticulously capture the essence of the era:

• Flea Markets: Featuring boiled jeans, caps emblazoned with "USA California."
• Pop Culture: Posters of Sylvester Stallone and scenes from the film "Kickboxer" adorn the characters' walls.
• Dendy Game Console: The characters play "Street Fighter" on it, highlighting the popularity of pirated versions of Western products.

The musical landscape harmonizes classic hits from the time (such as Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway) with contemporary reinterpretations, like Sirotkin’s cover of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, albeit featuring strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanka's mother, and Alika's girlfriend, the series ultimately reflects a patriarchal culture. Women are compelled to fight for their place in this world often through conflicts with men who continue to abide by the laws of the "wild 90s." Nevertheless, these female portrayals add depth to the narrative, reminding us that the tides of change affected everyone.

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Matters

This series does not simply recreate the atmosphere of the 90s with expert craftsmanship; it reinterprets these experiences through a contemporary lens. It serves as both an entertaining spectacle and a cultural examination, illustrating how the millennial generation, shaped amidst chaos, forged its values.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" embodies a dialogue between the past and the present, much like the finest works of art, uniting audiences across generations.