Exploring Nostalgia in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"

Modern television frequently taps into nostalgia, crafting series that not only hark back to the past but also allow us to rethink entire eras. Ilya Aksenov’s series, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", serves as a vibrant example of this approach. It evokes parallels with the American sensation "Stranger Things", albeit with a spotlight on Russian realities. In this piece, we will delve into how the project weaves together the romantic nostalgia of the 90s to narrate the coming-of-age story of a generation molded in the aftermath of the USSR's collapse.

Where Does Nostalgia Come From?

For millennials, the 1990s are often synonymous with a turbulent transition from Soviet stability to wild capitalism. This era was not just marked by economic upheaval; it was also a time of remarkable cultural effervescence. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its unique ability to depict this period through the eyes of teenagers navigating life amidst rooftops, bustling markets, and VHS tapes.

While "Stranger Things" captures the essence of American life in the 80s, this series shines a light on the domestic tumult of the 90s—a time filled with both liberation and chaos. This delicate balance permeates every aspect of the show, from the sets and musical scores to the intricate narrative arcs.

Plot: Adventures of Teens in a Criminal Reality

At the core of the storyline are four friends: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Their group, dubbed "The Brotherhood of the Roof", becomes embroiled in conflicts that mirror the spirit of the time. On one hand, they engage in rivalries with local bullies; on the other, they find themselves caught between two feuding crime syndicates: veterans from Afghanistan and the Caucasian mafia. This narrative thread provides a glimpse into the 90s atmosphere through the lens of youthful experiences, untainted by adult cynicism.

What’s particularly fascinating is how, alongside external turmoil, these teenagers grapple with their own feelings and relationships with their parents. For instance, Sanya’s mother must manage household duties while wrestling with memories of a troubled marriage, her grandfather promotes a cult of strength, and her father, a weak-willed writer, struggles to meet the challenges of the epoch.

Inspiration from the Past

The similarities with "Stranger Things" are immediately evident: a group of friends confronting dangers that immerse the viewer in the zeitgeist of a specific timeframe. However, instead of the fantastical, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" showcases tangible threats well-known to a post-Soviet audience. There are no monsters from parallel dimensions here; instead, we encounter "wolves" and "bulls"—gangsters whose portrayals encapsulate the criminal romanticism of that time.

Visually, the series also garners attention. Flashbacks are presented as if rewinding a video cassette, and conflict scenes are captured in long, uninterrupted takes, enhancing the immersive experience. A particularly memorable moment is the market destruction scene, harking back to a similar episode in the film "Bull".

The Culture of the 90s in Detail

The set design and props are meticulously crafted to convey the aesthetic of the time:

• Flea Markets: with boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California".
• Popular Culture: featuring posters of Sylvester Stallone and glimpses from the film "Kickboxer" adorning the walls of the protagonists' homes.
• Dendy Console: the characters engage with games like "Street Fighter", accentuating the popularity of pirated copies of Western products.

The musical backdrop skillfully merges hits of the era, such as Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway, with contemporary reinterpretations, including Sirotkin's cover of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Curiously, despite the presence of strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Alik’s girlfriend, the series still reflects a patriarchal culture. Women are seen battling for their place in this world, frequently clashing with men who continue to adhere to the rules of the "troubled 90s." Nonetheless, the depiction of female figures adds depth to the narrative, reminding us that the transformative era impacted everyone.

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Matters

This series not only skillfully recreates the atmosphere of the 90s but also reframes it through the lens of today. It stands as both an entertaining show and a cultural study, illustrating how a generation of millennials, shaped amidst chaos, formed their unique values.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a dialogue between past and present, uniting viewers across generations, much like the finest works of art.