Exploring 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
Series Review: "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey Through the Teenage Realm of the '90s
The recently launched series by Ilya Aksenov titled "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" on the Premier streaming platform is not just a tale of coming-of-age during the 1990s. It invites viewers on a profound journey through a unique epoch in Russia's history, offering a glimpse into the lives of teenagers in a quaint provincial town. This project interweaves nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, crafting a rich, multifaceted depiction of the era marked by the initial accumulation of capital.
Teenage Life Against a Backdrop of Societal Turmoil
The narrative unfolds in the year 1993 within the Tula region of Russia. At the heart of the story are high school students Sanya, Volka, Ilya, and the red-haired Zhenya. Their days are spent loitering behind garages, climbing the roofs of high-rise buildings, and dreaming of the future while grappling with the quintessential issues of adolescence. From hormonal fluctuations and abandoned musical aspirations to first crushes, their youthful struggles are juxtaposed with the harsh realities of family life and their environment.
Sanya's family serves as a quintessential example of how various generations navigate upheaval. His mother hawks Turkish linens at the local market, while his father, a university lecturer, seems to be swept away by the whirlpool of societal changes. Another striking character is Uncle Alik, a veteran of the Afghan conflict, who battles with post-traumatic stress disorder. His nighttime struggles to control reckless behavior, including scenes where he shackles himself to a radiator, serve as a poignant metaphor for the inner demons that seem to haunt the nation as a whole.
Transitioning from Adolescence to National Growth
One of the distinctive features of this series is the parallel drawn between the protagonists' maturation and the "growing up" of Russia itself. The 1990s, an era characterized by the initial capital infusion, is portrayed not through the typical gangster or glamorized lens but rather through dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and a foggy haze of teenage oblivion.
This approach sets Aksenov's craft apart from other cinematic interpretations of the '90s, such as "Tesson" by Kantemir Balagov or "Bull" by Boris Akopov. Neither heavy-handed dramatization nor an attempt to romanticize the decade is present. Instead, the series offers an honest, refreshing perspective that reminds us that even amidst social catastrophes, adolescence remains a universal experience.
Cinematic Style and Actor Performances
Previously engaged in the guerrilla cinema genre, Aksenov continues to refine his unique style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!". He emphasizes acting and dynamic storytelling over visual extravagance. Yet, a special mention is warranted for the cinematography by Alexey Filippov, whose wide-angle shots featuring the raw beauty of the provincial landscape transform the Russian hinterlands into a vibrant backdrop reminiscent of the Wild West.
Among the standout performances is Stepan Devonin, who plays Sanya's father. His portrayal of an intellectual professor who writes an unpublished novel while simultaneously selling goods with his wife at a market evokes both empathy and respect. Both Yuri Borisov as Uncle Alik and Nikita Pavlenko likewise deliver deeply nuanced performances, contributing significantly to character depth.
A Teenage Era of Violence and Aspirations
The title of the series is deceptively light-hearted. "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" symbolizes an adolescence rife with fear paired with moments of discovery. Right from its opening scene, a black BMW—a notorious symbol of violence and crime—encapsulates the era's harsh realities. Nevertheless, the series strikes a delicate balance between dark comedy, drama, and a coming-of-age narrative, leaving the audience the freedom to interpret the intricate storylines.
Final Thoughts
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transcends the boundaries of being merely another '90s series. It serves as a nuanced and impactful work that, through its youthful characters, sheds light on a country undergoing monumental change. Through a blend of tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov crafts a piece that not only entertains and moves but also provokes contemplation on how personal and societal growth is invariably accompanied by pain and revelations.
In essence, this series resounds with themes relatable to any viewer who experienced the trials of adolescence against the backdrop of societal upheaval, sparking memories that resonate deep within.