Exploring Nostalgia in 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'

Modern television often reaches back into the past, crafting series that do more than just evoke nostalgia; they foster a reevaluation of bygone eras. The mini-series by Ilya Aksenov, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", serves as a prime example of this approach, drawing parallels to the American sensation "Stranger Things", yet with a pivotal focus on the Russian context. In this exploration, we will delve into how the project, viewed through the lens of 90s romanticism, narrates the development of a generation shaped amidst the remnants of the USSR.

Where Does Nostalgia Come From?

For millennials, the 90s conjure images of a tumultuous transition from Soviet stability to wild capitalism. This period, characterized by economic uncertainty, also burgeoned with unparalleled cultural expansion. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to present this epoch from the standpoint of teenagers navigating their way through a landscape filled with crumbling buildings, bustling markets, and VHS tapes.

While "Stranger Things" immerses its audience in the American 1980s, this series submerges viewers in the unique textures of the Russian 90s—a time marked by both a newfound freedom and a chaotic reality. This intricate dynamic seeps into every facet of the show, from the set designs and music scores to the unfolding storylines.

Plot: Teen Adventures in a Criminal Reality

At the heart of the story lies a quartet of teenagers—Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya—who form a tight-knit group known as "The Brotherhood of the Rooftops." They are swept into conflicts embodying the spirit of their time. On one hand, they contend with local bullies; on the other, they become entangled in the fierce rivalry between two crime factions: veterans of the Afghan war and the Caucasian mafia. This narrative thread shines a light on the 90s atmosphere through the lens of youthful experiences unclouded by adult cynicism.

Equally compelling is the way these young protagonists grapple with their emerging emotions and complicated family dynamics. For instance, Sanya's mother struggles to manage her home while wrestling with memories of a turbulent marriage, her grandfather venerates strength, and her father—a weak-willed writer—fails to rise to the challenges of the time.

Inspiration from the Past

The comparisons with "Stranger Things" are striking: a band of friends facing perils, immersing viewers in a distinct historical ambience. However, instead of fantasy creatures, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" showcases tangible threats familiar to a post-Soviet audience. There are no monsters from alternate dimensions; instead, we confront the harsh realities of street life—the "wolves" and "bulls" personifying the era's criminal underbelly.

The visual choices in the series merit particular attention. Flashbacks are crafted with a rewind effect reminiscent of VHS tapes, while conflict scenes unfold in extended continuous shots, creating an immersive ambiance. A particularly striking moment is the market riot, recalling a similar episode from the film "Bull."

The Culture of the 90s in Details

The décor and props reflect the era's aesthetic with meticulous care:

• Flea Markets: Boasting boiled jeans and caps emblazoned with "USA California."
• Pop Culture Icons: Walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and memorable scenes from the film "Kickboxer."
• Gaming Nostalgia: The Dendy console brings the popular game "Street Fighter" into play, underscoring the trends of pirated Western media.

The soundtrack weaves together hits of the time (Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) with modern reinterpretations of the tunes (notable is Sirotkin's rendition of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius).

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Notably, despite featuring strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Alik's girlfriend, the series continues to reflect a patriarchal culture. Women find themselves in struggles to assert their place in a realm often dominated by men adhering to the code of the "dashing 90s." Nonetheless, female portrayals infuse depth into the narrative, reminding us that the tide of change impacted everyone.

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Matters?

This series not only masterfully recreates the ambiance of the 90s but also reframes it through the lens of contemporary understanding. It serves as both an engaging entertainment piece and a cultural examination, illustrating how millennials—who grew up amid chaos—cultivated their values.

Furthermore, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" stands as a dialogue between past and present, echoing the greatest works that connect audiences across generations.