Exploring '90s Nostalgia in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"

In an era where modern television frequently revisits the past, it crafts series that not only evoke a sense of nostalgia but also offers opportunities to reinterpret bygone eras. Ilya Aksenov's series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" stands as a prime example of this phenomenon, drawing parallels with the American hit "Stranger Things," yet placing a distinctive spotlight on Russian realities. In this article, we will delve into how this project, filtered through the lens of '90s romance, narrates the coming-of-age journey of a generation shaped on the ruins of the Soviet Union.

The Roots of Nostalgia

For millennials, the '90s are reminiscent of a tumultuous transition from the predictable stability of the Soviet era to the wild unpredictability of capitalism. This decade is etched not only in memories of economic instability but also in a remarkable cultural explosion. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to provide a glimpse into this period through the eyes of teenagers who navigate the spaces between rooftops, bustling markets, and VHS tapes.

Whereas "Stranger Things" immerses viewers in the American '80s, the focal point here is the domestic '90s, a time rife with both freedom and chaos. This balance permeates every aspect of the series—from the setting and soundtrack to the intricate plot lines.

Plot: Teen Adventures Amidst a Crime-Laden Reality

At the heart of the story are four adolescents: Sanya, Volka, Ilya, and Zhenya. This band of friends, coined the "Brotherhood of the Roof," finds themselves entangled in conflicts reflective of their times. On one side, there’s their rivalry with local bullies; on the other, their involvement in the clash between two criminal factions: Afghan veterans and the Caucasian mafia. This narrative angle provides an engaging perspective into the ethos of the '90s through the lens of adolescent emotions, unmarred by the cynicism often associated with adulthood.

What makes this exploration even more intriguing is how these teenagers, amidst their external battles, grapple with their inner feelings and relationships with their parents. For instance, Sanya’s mother is juggling household management while haunted by memories of a troubled marriage, his grandfather fosters a cult of strength, and his father—a timid writer—struggles to navigate the challenges posed by the changing times.

Inspiration from the Past

The parallels drawn with "Stranger Things" are evident: a group of friends standing against various dangers, ensnaring the viewer in a specific era's atmosphere. However, unlike the fantastical elements found in its American counterpart, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" immerses its audience in tangible threats familiar to a post-Soviet audience. Instead of monsters from parallel universes, we confront "wolves" and "bulls"—gangsters whose portrayals encapsulate the criminal romanticism of that time.

Special attention must also be paid to the visual elements of the series. Flashbacks are uniquely presented through a rewind effect akin to that of a video cassette, while conflict scenarios are captured through lengthy, uninterrupted shots that evoke a sense of immersion. One standout scene features a devastating market rampage, reminiscent of a similar moment in the film "The Bull."

The Culture of the '90s in Detail

The series meticulously recreates the aesthetics of the time, seen in:

• Market Scene: Displays of boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California".
• Pop Culture References: Posters of Sylvester Stallone and stills from the movie "Kickboxer" decorate the characters’ rooms.
• Gaming Nostalgia: The Dendy console, where the characters engage in "Street Fighter," underscores the popularity of pirated copies of Western products.

The musical backdrop beautifully intertwines hits from the era (like Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway) with modern revisionist covers—an excellent example being Sirotkin's rendition of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender Dynamics and Toxic Masculinity

Intriguingly, despite featuring strong female characters such as Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Alica’s girlfriend, the series remains a reflection of a patriarchal culture. Women often need to fight for their standing in a world dominated by men still adhering to the rules of the "crazy '90s." Nevertheless, these female representations add depth to the storytelling, serving as a reminder that the winds of change impacted everyone.

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Matters

This series does not merely recreate the atmosphere of the '90s; it reinterprets the era through today’s lens. It stands as an engaging entertainment piece and a cultural examination that reveals how the millennial generation, formed in a world of chaos, developed their values.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a conversation between the past and present; akin to some of literature's finest works, it bridges the gap between viewers from different generations.