Exploring the Depths of 90s Teen Life in Russia
The recently unveiled series by Ilya Aksenov, titled "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", is far more than a simple tale of coming-of-age during the 1990s. This show is an immersive expedition into a unique chapter of Russian history, portrayed through the lens of the lives of teenagers residing in a small provincial town. Aksenov masterfully weaves nostalgia, tragedy, and humor into a rich and layered depiction of the era marked by the initial stages of capital accumulation.
Teenage Life Amidst Social Upheaval
Set in 1993, within the Tula region, the narrative unfurls around a group of schoolchildren — Sanyka, Vovka, Ilya, and the fiery-haired Zhenya. Their days are spent loitering behind garages, climbing atop the roofs of high-rises, while they dream of what the future may hold. Simultaneously, they grapple with the trials and tribulations typical of adolescence. The roller coaster of hormones, abandoned musical dreams, and budding romances collide with the harsh realities sprawled out before their families and surroundings.
Sanyka's family is a quintessential representation of how various generations cope with change. His mother sells Turkish linens at the market while his father, a college professor, seems adrift in a whirlwind of societal metamorphosis. A particularly poignant character is Uncle Alyk, a veteran of the Afghan conflict, haunted by the echoes of post-traumatic stress disorder. His desperate nighttime struggles to regain control over his life, scenes where he's handcuffed to a radiator, serve as a symbolic metaphor for the internal skirmishes that seem to plague an entire nation.
From Puberty to the Nation’s Coming of Age
A standout feature of this series is the parallel drawn between the characters' growth and the "coming of age" of Russia itself. The 1990s, an era marked by the initial phases of capital gathering, is portrayed not through the conventional images of gangsters and glamor but through dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and the carefree forgetfulness of youth.
This approach sets Aksenov's project apart from other cinematic portrayals of the 90s, such as Kantemir Balagov's "Tightness" or Boris Akopov's "Bull". There is no excessive dramatization nor an attempt to romanticize those years. Instead, viewers are presented with an honest and refreshing perspective, reminding us that even amidst social calamity, teenagers will always be teenagers.
Cinematic Style and Acting Prowess
Ilya Aksenov, who has previously tread the path of guerrilla cinema with his indie projects, continues to evolve his unique style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" By focusing on actor performances and narrative dynamics rather than visual flourishes, he generates a palpable authenticity. However, the cinematographic brilliance of Alexey Filippov deserves special mention; the sweeping panoramic shots intertwined with the elements of wild provincial nature elevate Russia’s backlands to a status reminiscent of the Wild West.
A noteworthy discovery among the cast is Stepan Devonin, who takes on the role of Sanyka's father. His character, an intellectual teacher attempting to write a novel while simultaneously selling at a market with his wife, elicits a genuine sense of empathy and respect. Similarly, Yuri Borisov’s portrayal of Uncle Alyk, along with Nikita Pavlenko's performance, showcases remarkable depth in character development.
The Teenage Era of Violence and Dreams
The seemingly light-hearted title of the series is misleading. "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" delves into a teenage epoch where fear and discovery walk hand in hand. Right from the first episode, a potent symbol of the age is introduced – the black beamer, which embodies violence and criminality. However, the series maintains a delicate balance between dark comedy, drama, and the coming-of-age narrative, allowing audiences the space to interpret the story arcs on their own terms.
Final Thoughts
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transcends mere classification as another series set in the 90s. It reveals itself as a profound and nuanced exploration of a nation undergoing vast transformations through the eyes of its youth. By intertwining tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov crafts a work that entertains, resonates emotionally, and prompts reflection on the dual nature of growing up — whether personally or socially — always accompanied by pain and moments of discovery.