Exploring 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!' and Its 90s Vibes

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Reflects the '90s and Our "Stranger Things"

Contemporary television often finds itself peering into the rearview mirror, conjuring series that stir up nostalgia while simultaneously inviting us to reassess bygone eras. One such series, Ilya Aksenov’s "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", has emerged as a striking example of this trend, drawing parallels with the American sensation "Stranger Things" but with a distinct focus on Russian realities. In this article, we'll delve into how the project, through the lens of '90s romanticism, narrates the evolution of a generation shaped amid the remnants of the USSR.

Where Does Nostalgia Come From?

For millennials, the '90s evoke images of a tumultuous shift from Soviet stability to wild capitalism. This period was marked not only by economic upheaval but also a remarkable cultural renaissance. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to present this era through the eyes of adolescents navigating life in the interstices of rooftops, bustling markets, and the flickering glow of VHS tapes.

In stark contrast to "Stranger Things," which casts a nostalgic light on the American '80s, this series immerses viewers in the chaotic liberation of the Russian '90s. This delicate equilibrium between freedom and disorder is palpable in every element of the show—from the set design to the musical score to the intricate narrative arcs.

Plot: Teen Adventures Amid Criminal Realities

At the heart of the narrative lie four teenagers: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. This inseparable quartet, dubbed the "Brotherhood of the Roof", becomes embroiled in conflicts that encapsulate the zeitgeist of their time. On one hand, they contend with local thugs; on the other, they find themselves in the crossfire between two criminal organizations—the Afghan veterans and the Caucasian mafia. This narrative trajectory not only highlights the era's tumult through the lens of youthful experiences but also showcases their emotional innocence, unhardened by adult cynicism.

It's particularly intriguing how these teenagers, amidst external turmoil, grapple with their own feelings and relationships with their parents. Take Sanya’s mother, for instance; she juggles running the household while wrestling with ghosts from a troubled marriage. Meanwhile, Sanya's grandfather propagates a cult of strength, and his father—the weak-willed writer—finds himself unable to confront the epoch’s harsh realities.

Inspiration from the Past

The comparisons to "Stranger Things" are unmistakable: a band of friends confronting dangers while engulfed in a specific time period's atmosphere. Yet, unlike the realm of fantasy, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" presents very tangible threats familiar to the post-Soviet audience. Here, there are no monsters from parallel worlds; instead, we face the stark realities of the "wolves" and "bulls"—the criminals whose portrayals evoke the dangerous allure of that period.

The visual storytelling also deserves commendation. Flashbacks are rendered as if rewinding a video cassette, while conflict scenes are captured in long, continuous shots, enhancing the immersive experience. One particularly unforgettable moment features the devastation of a market, calling to mind a similar scene in the film "Bull".

The Culture of the '90s in Detail

The set designs and props meticulously reflect the period's aesthetics:

• Vending Markets: Featuring boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California".
• Pop Culture References: Posters of Sylvester Stallone and scenes from "Kickboxer" adorn the walls of the characters’ homes.
• Dendy Game Console: The heroes engage in "Street Fighter", highlighting the popularity of pirated copies of Western products.

The musical backdrop of the series harmonizes '90s hits like Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway with modern revisionist covers, like Sirotkin’s version of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

It's noteworthy that, despite the presence of strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Alica's girlfriend, the series remains a mirror reflecting patriarchal culture. Women frequently find themselves fighting for their place in this landscape, often clashing with men who cling to the mores of the "wild '90s". Nevertheless, these female portrayals enrich the narrative, reminding viewers that the era of transformation impacted everyone.

Why is "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Important?

This series does more than just recreate the ambiance of the '90s; it reevaluates this epoch through a contemporary lens. It serves as both an entertaining show and a cultural exploration, revealing how a generation of millennials, raised amid chaos, forged its values.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" stands as a dialog between the past and the present, much like the finest artistic works that unite audiences across generations.