Exploring the 90s in the Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"
The Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey Back to the Teenage Era of the 90s
The Russian series by Ilya Aksenov, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", recently unveiled on the streaming platform Premier, is far from just a tale of growing up during the 1990s. Instead, it's a vivid exploration into a unique era in Russia, brought to life through the lens of adolescents navigating their lives in a small provincial town. This project crafts a rich blend of nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, establishing a profound and multi-faceted depiction of the time of initial capital accumulation.
Adolescent Life Amidst Social Upheaval
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1993 in Tula Region, the show revolves around a group of teenage friends: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and the spirited redhead, Zhenya. Their days revolve around garages and the rooftops of high-rise buildings, dreaming about what the future might hold while grappling with typical teenage dilemmas. The mix of hormonal surges, abandoned musical aspirations, and first romances collides with the stark realities of their family lives and surrounding communities.
Sanya’s family stands as a quintessential example of how differing generations confronted change. His mother works at the market selling Turkish linens, while his father, a college lecturer, finds himself floundering amidst the whirlpool of social transformations. Equally striking is Uncle Alik, a veteran of the Afghan war, battling the relentless ghosts of his past. His nightly struggles to refrain from reckless actions, along with symbolic imagery such as being handcuffed to a radiator, create a metaphor for the internal battles ingrained in the psyche of a nation still healing from its traumas.
From Puberty to the Nation’s Adolescence
One of the show’s distinctive attributes lies in the parallel it draws between the maturation of its characters and the "coming of age" of Russia itself. The 1990s—an epoch characterized by the initial accumulation of capital—are presented not through the clichéd lens of gangsters or glitz but rather through dusty courtyards, deserted factories, and the oft-overlooked oblivion of youth.
In this respect, Aksenov’s project stands apart from other cinematic portrayals of the era, like Kantemir Balagov's "Tightness" or Boris Akopov's "Bull." Rather than indulging in excessive dramatization or romanticism of these years, the series offers an honest and refreshing perspective, reminding viewers that, even amidst social upheavals, teenagers continue their quest for identity.
Cinematic Style and Acting Performances
Ilya Aksenov, known for his work in the guerrilla cinema genre and independent projects, further cultivates his distinctive style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" The series places a spotlight on nuanced performances and dynamic character interactions rather than flashy visuals. Nonetheless, the cinematography by Alexey Filippov deserves a special mention; the wide-format shots adorned with elements of wild provincial beauty turn the Russian hinterlands into a strikingly captivating representation akin to the Wild West.
Among the notable performances, Stepan Devonin’s portrayal of Sanya’s father shines through. His role as an intelligent lecturer navigating life’s uncertainties while secretly authoring a novel, all whilst selling goods at the market alongside his wife, evokes heartfelt empathy and admiration. Yuri Borisov, playing Uncle Alik, and Nikita Pavlenko demonstrate a profound engagement with their characters, immersing the audience deep into their narratives.
A Teenage Era of Violence and Dreams
The seemingly lighthearted title of the series can be somewhat misleading. "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" encapsulates a teenage period where fear and discovery walk hand in hand. From the very first episode, a powerful symbol of this era emerges—a black BMW, an emblem of violence and the criminal underbelly. Yet, the series adeptly balances elements of black comedy, drama, and coming-of-age romance, leaving viewers to interpret the intertwining storylines on their own terms.