Exploring the 90s: Life and Growth in 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
The Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey into the Teenage Era of the 90s
The recent series by Ilya Aksenov, titled "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", is far more than just a coming-of-age story set in the 1990s. It serves as a captivating journey into a distinctive epoch in Russia, depicted through the lens of adolescents living in a small provincial town. This project intertwines nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, crafting a profound and multifaceted portrait of that particular time marked by the initial stages of capitalist accumulation.
Teenage Life Amidst Social Upheaval
The plot unfolds in 1993 within Tula Oblast, where we meet the main characters—teenagers Sanka, Vovka, Illya, and the spirited redhead Zhenya. The quartet spends their time lurking behind garages and climbing atop apartment blocks, dreaming about their futures, while grappling with the quintessential challenges of youth. Hormonal surges, abandoned musical instruments, and the pangs of first love dance amidst the harsh realities of their familial situations.
For instance, Sanka’s family represents a classic portrayal of how different generations grapple with change. His mother works in a market selling Turkish lingerie, while his father, a college professor, becomes increasingly lost amid the whirlwind of social transformation. Not to be overlooked is Uncle Alyk, a veteran of the Afghan war, who battles with post-traumatic stress. His nighttime struggles to avoid reckless behavior and scenes where he handcuffs himself to a radiator serve as a symbolic metaphor for the internal demons that seem to haunt the entire nation.
From Puberty to the Country’s Puberty
One remarkable aspect of the series is the parallel between the characters’ maturation and the “coming-of-age” of Russia itself. The 1990s, a time of initial capital accumulation, is presented not through the usual gangster or glamorous lenses but through dusty courtyards, deserted factories, and the haze of teenage oblivion.
This narrative choice distinctly separates Aksenov’s work from other cinematic depictions of the 90s, such as "Tightness" by Kantemir Balagov or "The Bull" by Boris Akopov. There is no undue dramatization or romanticization of those years here. Instead, we are treated to an honest and refreshing perspective, reminding us that even amidst significant societal upheaval, adolescents remain fundamentally adolescents.
Cinematic Style and Performances
Ilya Aksenov, known for his previous work in the guerrilla cinema genre and creating independent projects, further develops his unique style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!". The series places emphasis on acting and dynamism over visual flair. Nevertheless, the cinematography by Alexey Filippov deserves special mention. His wide-format shots showcasing the wild provincial countryside transform the Russian hinterland into a sort of Wild West.
Among the standout performances, Stepan Devonin’s portrayal of Sanka’s father shines. This character is an intelligent professor who pens a novel in secret while struggling to make ends meet at the market alongside his wife. His portrayal evokes deep sympathy and admiration. Yuri Borisov, as Uncle Alyk, and Nikita Pavlenko also delve deeply into their character portrayals, adding layers to the narrative.
The Teenage Era of Violence and Dreams
The series title might suggest a lighthearted tone, but "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" actually encapsulates a teenage era where fear and discovery stroll hand in hand. In the very first episode, a black BMW emerges as a symbol of the era—a representation of violence and the criminal underbelly. However, the narrative maintains a balance between dark comedy, drama, and the odyssey of adolescence, allowing viewers to interpret the storylines for themselves.
Final Thoughts
The series delivers a poignant reminder that, just like the characters on screen, nations too face their growing pains in the wake of monumental shifts.