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

The contemporary television landscape often looks back in time, crafting series that not only evoke nostalgia but also facilitate a reevaluation of bygone eras. One shining example of this approach is Ilya Aksenov's series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" which, while sparking comparisons to the American sensation "Stranger Things," uniquely highlights Russian realities. In this piece, we will delve into how the show weaves a narrative colored by the romanticism of the '90s, telling the story of a generation shaped on the ruins of the USSR.

The Roots of Nostalgia

For millennials, the '90s are suffused with imagery of a turbulent shift from the stability of Soviet life to the wild excesses of capitalism. This era is marked not only by economic upheaval but also by a remarkable cultural explosion. The charm of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to present this period through the eyes of adolescents navigating the rooftops, bustling markets, and VHS tapes of their youth.

Whereas "Stranger Things" is grounded in the American landscape of the '80s, this show's backdrop is the domestic chaos of the '90s that encapsulated a paradoxical mix of newfound freedom paired with overwhelming disorder. Each facet of the series—ranging from its décor to the soundtrack and narrative arcs—mirrors this delicate balance.

Plot: The Adventures of Teens in a Criminal Reality

At the heart of the series are four teenage friends: Sanyka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Their group, known as the "Brotherhood of the Roof," becomes embroiled in conflicts that embody the spirit of their times. On one hand, they grapple with rival local bullies, while on the other, they find themselves caught in the crossfire between two crime syndicates: Afghan war veterans and the Caucasian mafia. This storyline allows viewers to engage with the essence of the '90s through the lens of youthful innocence untouched by adult cynicism.

What’s particularly engaging is how these teens are simultaneously navigating external conflicts while contending with their inner feelings and relationships with their parents. For example, Sanyka's mother juggles running a household while wrestling with memories of a strained marriage; her grandfather imposes a cult of strength, and her father, a weak-willed writer, finds himself ill-equipped to tackle the era’s challenges.

Inspiration from the Past

The parallels to "Stranger Things" are striking: a band of friends confronts threats while immersing the audience in a vivid temporal atmosphere. However, unlike the fantastical elements of its American counterpart, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" showcases real threats familiar to the post-Soviet audience. Instead of monsters from alternate dimensions, there are thugs—"wolves" and "bulls"—whose portrayals channel the criminal allure of that transformative period.

The visual style of the series deserves mention as well. Flashbacks are portrayed like tapes rewinding, while conflict sequences are shot with lengthy, uninterrupted takes that foster a visceral sense of presence. Of particular note is the market destruction scene, echoing a similar moment from the film "Bull."

The Culture of the '90s in Detail

The series richly captures the aesthetic of the time through its set design and props:

• Flea Markets: Items like boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California."
• Pop Culture: Walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and clips from the movie "Kickboxer" reflect the media landscape.
• Gaming: The Dendy console, where characters engage in "Street Fighter," underlines the popularity of pirated versions of Western products.

The soundtrack melds catchy hits from the era (Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) with modern reimaginations, such as Sirotkin’s cover of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, despite featuring strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanyka’s mother, and Alika’s girlfriend, the series reflects a patriarchal culture. Women are often compelled to fight for recognition in a world dominated by men still adhering to the norms of the "wild '90s." Nonetheless, these female representations add layers of depth, reminding us that the tide of change affected everyone.

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Matters

This series does more than meticulously recreate the essence of the '90s—it reexamines that era through the lens of the present. It serves as both an entertainment spectacle and a cultural study, illustrating how a generation of millennials, shaped by chaos, has forged its own values.

In essence, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" stands as a dialogue between the past and the present, akin to the best works of art that unite viewers across generations.