Exploring the 90s Through 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Reflects the 90s and Our Life in "Stranger Things"
Modern television has a knack for resurrecting the past, crafting series that not only evoke nostalgia but also help us reinterpret defining eras. Ilya Aksenov’s series, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", stands as a vibrant example of this artistic vision, drawing parallels with the American sensation "Stranger Things", yet firmly rooted in Russian reality. In this article, we will explore how the show, viewed through the enchanting lens of 90s romance, narrates the coming-of-age saga of a generation molded in the aftermath of the USSR's collapse.
Where Does Nostalgia Come From?
For millennials, the 1990s symbolize a tumultuous shift from the predictable Soviet stability to the wild unpredictability of capitalism. The decade was characterized not just by economic upheavals but by a spectacular cultural surge. The charm of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to present this formative period through the eyes of teenagers navigating the alleys, markets, and VHS-recorded memories of their youth.
While "Stranger Things" dives into the heart of the American 80s, this series captures the simultaneous freedom and chaos of its Russian equivalent in the 90s. The delicate balance between these contrasting elements is woven throughout every facet of the show—be it the set designs, the musical score, or the intricate plot lines.
Plot: Teen Adventures in a Criminal Landscape
At the core of the narrative are four adolescents: Sanyka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. This tight-knit group, dubbed the "Brotherhood of the Rooftops", gets embroiled in conflicts that mirror the spirit of their time. On one side, they face off against local bullies; on the other, they find themselves caught between two rival criminal factions: Afghan war veterans and the Caucasian mafia. This duality provides a window into the 90s atmosphere through the lens of youthful experiences, unclouded by the cynicism that often comes with adulthood.
What makes their journey even more intriguing is how, amid external tensions, these teenagers wrestle with their emotions and relationships with their parents. For instance, Sanyka's mother juggles managing the household while grappling with memories of a tumultuous marriage, his grandfather advocates a cult of strength, and his father—a timid writer—struggles to confront the challenges of the epoch.
Inspiration from the Past
The comparisons with "Stranger Things" are strikingly apparent: a group of friends confronts peril, immersing the audience in the essence of a certain time. However, unlike the fantasy realm of "Stranger Things", "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" presents real threats familiar to a post-Soviet audience. There are no monsters from alternate dimensions, but rather the lurking dangers personified by "wolves" and "bulls"—gangsters that encapsulate the criminal allure of that era.
The visual storytelling deserves special mention as well. Flashbacks are stylized as if the viewer is fast-forwarding through a VHS tape, while character conflicts are filmed in extended, uninterrupted takes, heightening the immersive experience. One particularly unforgettable scene involves the chaos of a market raid, echoing a similar moment in the film "Bull".
Capturing the Culture of the 90s
The series does an impressive job at recreating the aesthetic of the 90s, showcasing life in vivid detail:
- Market Scenes: The abundance of boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California".
- Pop Culture: Posters of Sylvester Stallone and snippets from the film "Kickboxer" adorn the walls of the characters’ rooms.
- Dendy Game Console: The heroes dive into "Street Fighter", reflecting the popularity of pirated Western products.
The soundtrack beautifully blends hits from the era (such as Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway) with contemporary reinterpretations, like Syrotkin's cover of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius.
Gender and Toxic Masculinity
Interestingly, despite the presence of strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanyka's mother, and Alik's girlfriend, the series is emblematic of a patriarchal culture. Women are often seen battling for their place in this tumultuous world, frequently clashing with men who still adhere to the norms of the "wild 90s". Nonetheless, the female portrayals enrich the narrative, reminding viewers that the era of change impacted everyone.
Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Is Important
This series doesn’t merely recreate the atmosphere of the 90s; it reinterprets it through the lens of contemporary society. It serves as both an entertaining show and a cultural examination, illustrating how the millennial generation, shaped by chaos, forged its values.
Additionally, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" functions as a dialogue between past and present, akin to the most poignant art that bridges the generational gap among its audience.