Exploring the 90s through 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'

In a world where modern television often looks to the past for inspiration, creating series that evoke nostalgia while prompting us to rethink former eras, the TV show produced by Ilya Aksenov, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", stands out as a vivid example. This series draws parallels with the much-lauded American hit, "Stranger Things", yet focuses squarely on the unique circumstances of Russia's 1990s. In this discussion, we'll uncover how this project, viewed through the romantic lenses of the nineties, narrates the coming-of-age tales of a generation born from the ashes of the USSR.

Where Does Nostalgia Come From?

For millennials, the 1990s evoke memories of a tumultuous transition from the stability of Soviet times to the chaotic embrace of capitalism. This era was marked not only by economic instability but also an extraordinary cultural explosion. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to transport viewers back to this period through the eyes of teenagers who navigate life amidst rooftops, markets, and VHS tapes.

While "Stranger Things" encapsulates the essence of the American 1980s, this series offers a glimpse into the Russian 1990s, where freedom danced cheek to cheek with disarray. You can sense this balance in every aspect of the show, from its decor and soundtrack to the intertwined storylines.

Plot: Adventures of Youth in a Criminal Landscape

At the heart of the narrative are four adolescents: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Dubbed the "Brotherhood of the Rooftop", their camaraderie envelops them in conflicts that reflect the spirit of their time. They find themselves in a tug-of-war that involves rival gangs, embroiled in battles between Afghan war veterans and the Caucasian mafia. This trajectory provides a unique prism through which viewers can perceive the atmosphere of the 90s, captured through the lens of youthful encounters, unsullied by adult cynicism.

What adds substance to the story is how these young characters grapple with their internal dilemmas while wrestling with their feelings and relationships with their parents. For instance, Sanya's mother struggles to manage her household, haunted by memories of a painful marriage, while his grandfather upholds a cult of strength, and his father, an indecisive writer, fails to rise above the challenges posed by their times.

Inspirations from the Past

The comparisons with "Stranger Things" are palpable: a gang of friends takes on menacing dangers, immersing audiences in a specific time frame. Yet, unlike the fantastical elements present in its counterpart, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" presents tangible threats familiar to the post-Soviet viewer. Here, you won't encounter monsters from parallel dimensions; instead, there are "wolves" and "bulls"—the thugs whose portrayals encapsulate the criminal allure of that era.

The series’ visual style merits attention as well. Flashbacks are styled as rewinds of video tapes, while conflict scenes unfold in lengthy, uninterrupted shots, intensifying the feeling of immediacy. A striking scene depicting the chaos at a market recalls a similar episode in the film "Bull", brilliantly capturing the raw energy of the time.

The Culture of the 90s in Fine Detail

The series' decorations and props meticulously embody the aesthetic of its time:

• Flea Markets: Featuring boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with the words "USA California."
• Pop Culture: Walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and frames from the movie "Kickboxer."
• Gaming Console Dendy: Where characters engage in "Street Fighter," showcasing the popularity of pirated Western media.

The musical elements cleverly mix period hits such as Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway with contemporary reinterpretations, like Sirotkin’s cover of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, even with strong female characters like Zhenya and Sanya's mother, the series still reflects a patriarchal culture. Women find themselves in a relentless struggle for their place in this world, often clashing with men still ensnared in the old survival rules of the "wild 90s." Nonetheless, the female representations enrich the narrative, providing reminders that the winds of change resonated through everyone during this transformative time.

The Cultural Significance of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"

This show excels not only in recreating the essence of the 1990s but also in reinterpreting it through the lens of contemporary society. It is both an entertaining spectacle and a cultural examination, illustrating how millennials, who flourished in chaos, formulated their own values.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" operates as a dialogue between the past and the present, akin to the finest artistic works, uniting audiences from various generations.

It is a remarkable testament to how storytelling may bridge diverse experiences and perspectives, allowing us to reflect while connecting with the common threads of human experience.