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

How “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” Reflects the 90s and Our “Stranger Things”

In today’s world of television, there’s a remarkable tendency to dip into the past, crafting series that evoke nostalgia and offer a fresh perspective on different eras. One shining example of this approach is Ilya Aksenov's “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!”, which serves as a vivid mirror to the tumultuous Russian 90s while drawing clear parallels to the American hit “Stranger Things.” As we explore this show, it becomes evident how it narrates the coming-of-age story of a generation molded amidst the ruins of the Soviet Union.

The Roots of Nostalgia

For many millennials, the 1990s are indelibly linked to the chaotic leap from Soviet stability to unbridled capitalism. This era was not merely marked by economic upheaval but also witnessed a breathtaking cultural renaissance. The attraction of “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” lies in its ability to transport viewers back to this pivotal time through the eyes of teenagers navigating a landscape filled with crumbling building facades, bustling markets, and dusty VHS tapes.

While “Stranger Things” immerses viewers in the vibrant 1980s American experience, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” dives into the Russian 90s — a time that was both liberating and chaotic. This delicate balance permeates every facet of the series, from its set designs and musical score to the narrative arcs that unfold.

Plot: Adventures Amidst Crime

At the heart of the series are four adolescents: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Their ensemble, cheekily dubbed “The Brotherhood of the Roof,” becomes embroiled in conflicts that encapsulate the spirit of the time. On one hand, they grapple with local bullies, while on the other, they become tangled in a rivalry between two criminal factions: veterans of the Afghan war and the notorious Caucasian mob. This narrative thread provides a lens through which audiences can gain insight into the atmosphere of the 90s, illustrating it through the innocent yet tumultuous experiences of teenagers devoid of adult cynicism.

An intriguing aspect of their journey is how these young characters strive to make sense of their emotions and relationships with their parents against a backdrop of external turmoil. Take Sanya’s mother, for instance, who juggles household responsibilities while contending with the trauma of a troubled marriage. Meanwhile, Sanya's grandfather promotes a cult of strength, contrasting sharply with his father, a timid writer struggling to assert himself in such challenging times.

Inspiration Drawn from the Past

The comparisons to “Stranger Things” are apparent: a band of friends facing dangers that immerse the viewer in a specific era. However, instead of the fantastical elements found in the American series, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” reveals very real threats familiar to the post-Soviet audience. Instead of monsters from alternate dimensions, the characters confront the likes of “wolves” and “bulls”—gangsters who encapsulate the criminal allure of that period.

The visual artistry of the series also deserves accolades. Flashbacks are presented as videotape rewinds, and conflict scenes are shot in long takes, enhancing the immersive presence that grips the viewer. A particularly memorable moment involves a market destruction scene, echoing a similar episode in the film “The Bull.”

The Culture of the 90s in Details

Every element of the set and props in the series meticulously captures the era's aesthetic:

• Bazaar Culture: The sights and sounds of flea markets where boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California" stand out.
• Pop Culture Touchstones: Walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and clips from films like “Kickboxer” liven up the characters' environments.
• Gaming Nostalgia: The heroes are often found playing on the Dendy console, featuring games like “Street Fighter,” underscoring the popularity of pirated Western productions.

Musically, the soundtrack weaves together hits from the period such as Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway, juxtaposed with modern reinterpretations like *Sirotkin's cover of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, despite the portrayal of strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Alyk's girlfriend, the series remains reflective of a patriarchal culture. The women often have to fight for their place in a world still governed by the "wild 90s" laws. Nevertheless, these female characters infuse depth into the narrative, serving as a reminder that the winds of change affected everyone during this transformative era.

Why “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” Matters

This series does more than reconstruct the essence of the 90s; it invites us to reevaluate those experiences through today’s lens. It is an entertaining show that also serves as a cultural exploration, revealing how the millennial generation, forged in chaos, formed its own value systems amidst such an unstable backdrop.

Moreover, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” stands as a bridge between the past and present, engaging audiences across generations much like the best works of art do.