Exploring 90s Russia Through 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'

Contemporary television often looks to the past, crafting series that not only evoke nostalgia but also facilitate a re-evaluation of bygone eras. Ilya Aksenov's series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" exemplifies this approach splendidly, resonating with echoes of the American hit "Stranger Things," yet firmly anchored in Russian realities. In this article, we will explore how this project narrates the formation of a generation shaped amid the ruins of the USSR through the lens of 90s romance.

The Roots of Nostalgia

For millennials, the 90s symbolize a tumultuous shift from Soviet stability to the gritty landscape of wild capitalism. This decade was not just a time of economic upheaval but also an incredible cultural renaissance. The charm of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to offer a view of this epoch through the eyes of teenagers navigating between rooftops, street markets, and VHS tapes.

If "Stranger Things" captures the essence of the American 80s, this series delivers an authentic portrait of the Russian 90s—a time characterized by both freedom and chaos. This delicate equilibrium is palpable in every facet of the show, from its sets and soundtrack to its intricate plotlines.

Plot: Teen Adventures in a Criminal Landscape

At the heart of the narrative are four teenagers: Sanyka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Their group, affectionately dubbed "The Roof Brotherhood," becomes embroiled in conflicts that reflect the zeitgeist. On one hand, they contend with local bullies, while on the other, they find themselves caught in a rivalry between two criminal factions: Afghan veterans and the Caucasian mafia. This storyline allows a glimpse into the atmosphere of the 90s through the eyes of adolescents, devoid of adult cynicism.

Particularly intriguing is how these teens, while grappling with external conflicts, also navigate their feelings and relationships with their parents. For instance, Sanyka’s mother juggles household management while wrestling with painful memories of a troubled marriage, her grandfather promotes a cult of strength, and her father, a weak-willed writer, struggles to face the challenges posed by their time.

Inspiration from the Past

The parallels with "Stranger Things" are clear: a group of friends faces dangers, immersing the audience in the atmosphere of a specific period. However, instead of fantastical monsters, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" showcases very real threats, familiar to the post-Soviet audience. The viewers encounter not creatures from parallel worlds, but rather the ‘wolves’ and ‘bulls’—gangsters whose representations echo the criminal romanticism of that age.

The visual storytelling of the series also merits attention. Flashbacks are crafted to mimic the rewinding of a videotape, and conflict scenes are shot in long, uninterrupted takes, heightening the feeling of immediacy. A particularly memorable scene involves the raid on a market, reminiscent of a similar episode in the film "Bull."

The Culture of the 90s in Detail

The set design and props of the series meticulously capture the aesthetic of the era:

• Flea Markets: A vibrant showcase of boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California."
• Pop Culture: Walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and scenes from the film "Kickboxer."
• Dendy Gaming Console: The characters immerse themselves in the world of "Street Fighter," highlighting the popularity of pirated versions of Western products.

The musical score harmoniously blends hits of the era (Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) with modern revisionist covers (such as Syrotkin's rendition of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius).

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, despite the presence of strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanyka's mother, and Alyka's girlfriend, the series remains a product of patriarchal culture. Women are often compelled to fight for their place in this world, frequently clashing with men who still operate by the rules of the "wild 90s." Nevertheless, the female portrayals add depth to the narrative, serving as a reminder that this transformative era impacted everyone.

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Matters

This series not only masterfully recreates the ambiance of the 90s but also offers a contemporary reinterpretation of that time through today’s lens. It stands as both an entertaining show and a cultural inquiry, illustrating how a generation of millennials, raised amid chaos, forged their values.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a dialogue between the past and present, uniting viewers from different generations, much like the best works of art do.