Exploring the Themes of 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'

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

Contemporary television often draws from the past, crafting series that don't just echo nostalgia but also allow us to reinterpret different eras. The series by Ilya Aksenov, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", serves as a vivid instance of this method, conjuring up memories akin to the American hit "Stranger Things," yet distinctly grounded in Russian realities. In the following exploration, we will dissect how this project narrates the formation of a generation molded in the aftermath of the Soviet Union through the colorful lens of the 1990s.

Where Does Nostalgia Come From?

For millennials, the 90s are synonymous with a tumultuous shift from Soviet stability to the wild wave of capitalism. This decade was not just marked by economic upheaval but also by an extraordinary cultural renaissance. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to present this transformative period through the eyes of adolescents navigating urban landscapes, bustling markets, and the nostalgia of VHS tapes.

While "Stranger Things" transports its viewers to the American 80s, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" anchors itself firmly in the chaotic yet liberating environment of 90s Russia. This delicate balance of freedom juxtaposed with disorder permeates every facet of the series, influencing its setting, soundtrack, and narrative arcs.

Plot: The Adventures of Teenagers in a Criminal Reality

The narrative centers around four main teenagers: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Known as the "Brothers of the Rooftop," this band of friends finds themselves embroiled in conflicts that echo the spirit of their time. On one hand, they battle local thugs; on the other, they become enmeshed in the duel between two criminal factions: Afghan war veterans and the Chechen mafia. This storyline offers a unique perspective on the gritty atmosphere of the 90s, viewed through the lens of youthful innocence untouched by adult cynicism.

Moreover, it's captivating to observe how these youngsters, in the midst of external turbulence, grapple with their burgeoning emotions and familial relationships. Sanya's mother juggles household responsibilities while confronting the shadows of a challenging marriage; his grandfather promotes a culture of strength, while Sanya's father, a timid writer, struggles to cope with the demanding changes of the era.

Inspiration from the Past

The parallels with "Stranger Things" are unmistakable: a group of friends stands against imminent dangers, immersing the audience in a particular timeframe. However, whereas the former delves into the realm of the fantastical, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" presents tangible threats familiar to a post-Soviet audience. Instead of monsters from alternate realms, there are real-life villains like "wolves" and "bulls"—criminals embodying the romantic chaos of that time.

The visual storytelling of the series is equally worth noting. Flashbacks are styled to mimic rewinding a videotape, while the conflict scenes are captured in lengthy continuous takes, amplifying the sense of involvement. The unforgettable scene of the market riot offers a nod to a similar episode in the film "The Bull."

The Culture of the 90s in Detail

The show's decor and props meticulously reflect the aesthetics of the time:

• Flea Markets: from boiled jeans to baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California."
• Pop Culture: walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and scenes from **"Kickboxer."
• Dendy Game Console: the characters engage in "Street Fighter," underscoring the popularity of pirated copies of Western products.

Moreover, the soundtrack beautifully marries the hits of the era, featuring tracks by Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway, with modern reinterpretations — for instance, Sirotkin's cover of "Breathing" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Fascinatingly, despite the portrayal of strong female characters such as Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Alik's girlfriend, the series remains a mirror of patriarchal culture. Women are depicted as striving to assert themselves in a reality rife with conflicts over the prevailing norms dictated by the "wild 90s" masculinity. Nevertheless, these female portrayals add depth to the narrative, reminding viewers that the period of transition impacted everyone, regardless of gender.

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Matters

This series not only adeptly reconstructs the atmosphere of the 90s but also re-evaluates that decade through a contemporary lens. It serves as both entertainment and a cultural examination, illuminating how millennials raised amid upheaval forged their own value systems.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" establishes a dialogue between the past and the present, akin to the greatest works that unite audiences across generations.

Embracing the nostalgia and the complex realities of 1990s Russia, this series is a compelling invitation to rediscover a pivotal chapter in history while contemplating its influence on today.