Exploring 'Peace! Friendship! Bubblegum!': A '90s Journey

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

Contemporary television often gazes into the rearview mirror, crafting series that not only stir nostalgic sentiments but also reframe epochs in fresh perspectives. A masterclass in this narrative style is Ilya Aksenov’s series "Peace! Friendship! Bubblegum!", which resonates deeply with the American phenomenon "Stranger Things", yet channels the essence of Russian reality. In this exploration, we will delve into how this project, through the lens of '90s romanticism, narrates the emergence of a generation shaped by the remnants of the Soviet Union.

The Roots of Nostalgia

For millennials, the '90s embody a chaotic transition from the stability of the Soviet era to the tempestuous winds of capitalism. This was a time marked not only by economic upheaval but also by a staggering cultural renaissance. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Bubblegum!" lies in its ability to present this period through the eyes of teenagers roaming the rooftops, bustling markets, and engaging with VHS tapes of the era.

While "Stranger Things" encapsulates the heart of American culture from the '80s, this Russian counterpart immerses viewers in the sizzling '90s—an epoch brimming with freedom and tumult. You can feel this precarious equilibrium woven through every stitch of the show, from its vibrant set designs and musical undertones to the intricate weaving of its plot lines.

Plot: Adventures of Teens in a Criminal Landscape

At the heart of the narrative are four friends: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. This crew, dubbed the "Brotherhood of the Roof", finds themselves entangled in struggles that echo the societal pulse of those times. On one side, they grapple with local bullies; on the other, they dive headfirst into the clash between two criminal factions—the Afghan war veterans and the Caucasian mafia. This arc allows viewers to glean insights into the '90s milieu through the prism of youthful exuberance and worries, characterized by a lack of the cynical lens that often comes with adulthood.

What stands out is how these teenagers, amidst external conflicts, grapple with their internal emotions and family dynamics. Take Sanka's mother, who juggles household management while wrestling with the ghosts of her troubled marriage. Sanka’s grandfather espouses the cult of strength, while his father—a feckless writer—struggles to navigate the turbulent currents of his time.

Inspiration from the Past

The parallels with "Stranger Things" are stark: a band of friends standing firm against imminent threats, drawing viewers into a vividly depicted era. Though, instead of the fantastical elements that pervade the American show, "Peace! Friendship! Bubblegum!" presents tangible dangers familiar to the post-Soviet audience. Here, there are no monsters lurking in alternate dimensions; rather, we confront the very real shadows of criminality—embodied by the "wolves" and "bulls"—whose personas encapsulate the gritty glamour of that epoch.

The show's visual storytelling merits attention too. Flashbacks are styled like rewound videotape, while confrontations unfold in extended, uninterrupted takes, creating an immersive experience. One particularly striking scene—the market raid—draws poignant parallels to a similar episode in the film "The Bull".

The Culture of the '90s in Intricate Detail

The series meticulously recreates the aesthetic essence of the era, showcasing:

• Flea Markets: Brimming with boiled jeans and caps emblazoned with slogans like "USA California".
• Pop Culture Artifacts: Walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and iconic scenes from "Kickboxer", reflecting the heroes of the time.
• Dendy Gaming Console: The characters engage in "Street Fighter", a nod to the prevalence of bootlegged Western content.

The soundtrack seamlessly weaves together period hits (think Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) with contemporary reinterpretations, such as Sirotkin’s covering of Nautilus Pompilius' "Breath".

Exploring Gender and Toxic Masculinity

An intriguing aspect of this narrative is how, despite featuring powerful female characters like Zhenya, Sanka's mother, and Alika's girlfriend, the series ultimately mirrors a patriarchal landscape. Women find themselves in fierce battles to carve their space, often clashing with men who cling stubbornly to the outdated notions of the "wild '90s". Nevertheless, feminine narratives add layers to the storytelling, highlighting that this epoch of change impacted everyone—not just male protagonists.

Why "Peace! Friendship! Bubblegum!" Matters

This series deftly recreates the zeitgeist of the '90s while reframing them through a contemporary perspective. It serves as both an entertaining viewing experience and a cultural exploration, illustrating how millennials—who were raised amidst chaos—forged their values in the fires of adversity.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Bubblegum!" exemplifies a dialogue bridging the past and the present, much like the great works that resonate across generations. It attracts viewers from various age groups, fostering a connection rooted in shared historical experiences while unveiling the vibrancy of a bygone era.