Exploring 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!' and Nostalgia
Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Mirrors the '90s and Our Own "Stranger Things"
Contemporary television frequently cast its gaze back at the past, crafting series that not only evoke nostalgia but also aid in re-evaluating bygone eras. Ilya Aksenov's series, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", serves as a vivid illustration of this approach, drawing parallels with the American hit "Stranger Things" while rooting itself in Russian reality. Here, we will explore how this project, through the rosy lenses of ‘90s romance, narrates the coming-of-age of a generation forged in the ruins of the USSR.
The Well of Nostalgia
For millennials, the '90s signify a tumultuous shift from the security of Soviet times to the volatility of rampant capitalism. This decade was characterized not just by economic turmoil but also by an extraordinary cultural renaissance. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to convey this era through the eyes of teenagers navigating the urban landscapes of rooftops, markets, and VHS tapes.
While "Stranger Things" secured its footing in the 1980s—a quintessential American experience—this series immerses itself in the distinct vibe of the ’90s, a time teetering between freedom and chaos. This delicate balance resonates throughout the show, permeating everything from its set designs and musical accompaniment to its story arcs.
Plot: Adventures of Teens in a Criminally Charged Reality
At the heart of the narrative lies a quartet of teenagers: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Their crew, dubbed the "Roof Brotherhood," finds itself embroiled in conflicts that vividly reflect the spirit of that era. On one side, they battle local bullies, while on the other, they become embroiled in the fierce rivalry between two crime factions: veterans of Afghanistan and the Chechen mafia. This storyline not only highlights the essence of the '90s through teenage experiences but does so devoid of adult cynicism.
Moreover, a particularly engaging aspect of the series is how these adolescents grapple with external conflicts while simultaneously wrestling with their feelings and family dynamics. For instance, Sanya's mother struggles to keep the household intact as she deals with the ghosts of a tumultuous marriage; meanwhile, his grandfather champions a cult of strength, and his father, a weak-willed writer, falters under the pressures of the age.
Inspiration from the Past
The comparisons with "Stranger Things" are unmistakable: a band of friends standing against looming threats, immersing the audience in a specific time period’s atmosphere. Yet, rather than delving into fantasy, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" offers viewers tangible dangers familiar to the post-Soviet populace. Instead of monsters from parallel dimensions, the danger comes from gangsters dubbed "wolves" and "bulls"—characters that epitomize the criminal allure of that time.
The visual aesthetics of the series also deserve commendation. Flashbacks are crafted to mimic the rewind effect of a VHS tape, while the conflict scenes are filmed in lengthy, uninterrupted takes, fostering a sense of immersion. Notably, the marketplace raid scene resonates deeply, echoing a similar sequence in the film "The Bull."
The Culture of the '90s in Detail
The series' decor and props meticulously encapsulate the era’s aesthetic:
- Flea Markets: Loaded with boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California."
- Pop Culture: Walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and snippets from the film