Exploring Nostalgia: Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!

Modern television often draws inspiration from the past, crafting series that invoke nostalgia while allowing for fresh interpretations of bygone eras. The show by Ilya Aksenov, titled "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", serves as a vivid example of this trend, sparking comparisons with the American sensation "Stranger Things," albeit with a distinctly Russian twist. In this exploration, we will delve into how this project weaves together the narrative of a generation forged in the aftermath of the USSR, through the lens of nostalgic '90s romance.

The Roots of Nostalgia

For millennials, the '90s conjure images of a tumultuous shift from the stability of the Soviet Union to the chaotic embrace of capitalism. This era was marked not only by economic volatility but also by a remarkable cultural renaissance. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to portray this pivotal time through the eyes of teenagers navigating the complex landscape amid rooftops, bustling markets, and clunky VHS tapes.

While "Stranger Things" transports viewers to the American '80s, this series immerses us in the Russian '90s—an era defined by both newfound freedoms and rampant disorder. This dichotomy resonates throughout the series, reflected in its set designs, musical choices, and narrative arcs.

Plot: Adventures of Teens in a Criminal Reality

At the heart of the story are four teenagers: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. United under the banner of the "Brotherhood of the Roof," this group finds themselves embroiled in conflicts that mirror the prevailing spirit of the times. On one side, they contend with local bullies, while on the other, they become entangled in rivalries between two criminal factions: one comprising veterans from Afghanistan and the other linked to the Caucasian mafia. This plotline offers a lens into the atmosphere of the '90s through the youthful lens, free from the cynicism often associated with adulthood.

Intriguingly, as they navigate external struggles, the teenagers concurrently probe their own emotions and familial relationships. For instance, Sanka's mother juggles household responsibilities with haunting memories of a troubled marriage, her grandfather enforces a culture of strength, while her father—a well-meaning yet feeble writer—struggles to rise to the challenges of the time.

Inspiration from the Past

The parallels drawn with "Stranger Things" are unmistakable: a close-knit group of friends faces peril, enveloping viewers in the essence of a specific era. However, contrary to the fantasy elements prevalent in "Stranger Things," "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" depicts threats rooted in stark reality—familiar to audiences that have navigated the post-Soviet landscape. Instead of monsters from alternate realms, we encounter the gritty realities represented by "wolves" and "bulls"—thugs embodying the romanticism of criminal life during that time.

The visual artistry of the show deserves commendation as well. Flashbacks are ingeniously crafted to resemble the rewind of a videotape, while conflict scenes are shot in long, uninterrupted takes, delivering an immersive experience. A particularly memorable moment is the chaotic destruction of a market, which echoes a similar scene from the film "The Bull."

The Culture of the '90s in Detail

The show's sets and props meticulously capture the aesthetics of the decade:

• Flea Markets: Featuring boiled jeans and caps emblazoned with "USA California."
• Popular Culture: Walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and scenes from "Kickboxer."
• Gaming Nostalgia: The Dendy console is a central prop, with characters engaging in "Street Fighter," showcasing the prevalence of pirated Western games.

Musical elements harmoniously integrate the hits of the era—tracks from artists like Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway—alongside contemporary reimaginings, such as Sirotkin's cover of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, despite the presence of strong female characters, including Zhenya, Sanka's mother, and Alica's girlfriend, the series still mirrors patriarchal culture. Women find themselves striving for their place in a world where they often clash with men who adhere to the bygone codes of the chaotic '90s. Nevertheless, these female portrayals add depth to the narrative, reminding us that the tides of change impacted everyone.

The Significance of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"

This series transcends mere entertainment; it artfully reconstructs the essence of the '90s while simultaneously reinterpreting it through a modern lens. Serving as both a captivating show and a cultural examination, it reveals how a generation of millennials, raised amidst chaos, forged their distinct values and perspectives.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" facilitates a dialogue between the past and present—a conversation that, much like the best works of art, connects audiences across generational divides.