Explore 'World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!' - A Novel Take on '90s Teens
"World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey Through the Teenage Era of the '90s
Ilya Aksenov's series, "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", recently launched on the streaming platform Premier, transcends the mere narrative of adolescent growth during the tumultuous 1990s. It embarks on a comprehensive odyssey into a distinctive epoch in Russia, showcasing the lives of teenagers in a quaint provincial town. This project intertwines nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, skillfully crafting a profound and intricate depiction of the formative years marked by the initial accumulation of capital.
Teenage Life Amidst Social Change
Set against the backdrop of 1993 in the Tula region, the series brings to life four main characters – Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and the fiery-haired Zhenya. This vibrant group spends their days hiding away behind garages and climbing rooftops while daydreaming about their futures. However, their aspirations clash with the typical adolescent trials they face.
Hormonal upheavals, discarded musical dreams, and first crushes all intertwine with the harsh realities of their familial and social environment.
Sanya's family is emblematic of different generations grappling with the societal transformations. Standing at a market stall, his mother sells Turkish linens, while his father, an institute lecturer, struggles to find his footing amid the whirlwind of change. A particularly vivid character is Uncle Alik, a veteran of the Afghan war, who battles post-traumatic stress disorder. His frantic midnight escapades and moments of being cuffed to a radiator symbolize the internal struggles besieging both him and, in a broader sense, the entire nation.
From Adolescence to National Growing Pains
One of the standout features of the series is the parallel drawn between the maturation of its characters and the burgeoning state of Russia itself. The '90s, marked by the initial surge of capital accumulation, are portrayed not through typical crime-infested or glamorous lenses but rather through dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and the carefree forgetfulness of youth.
This approach sets Aksenov's project apart from other cinematic representations of the '90s, such as Kantemir Balagov's "Tightness" or Boris Akopov's "Bull". There’s no undue dramatization or attempts to romanticize those years here. Instead, we see an honest, fresh perspective that reminds us that, even amid social upheaval, teenagers remain simply teenagers.
Cinematic Style and Cast Performances
Ilya Aksenov, having previously delved into the realm of guerilla cinema and creating independent projects, continues to evolve his unique artistic expression. In "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", he emphasizes the power of acting and character dynamics over flashy visual spectacles. Nevertheless, cinematographer Alexey Filippov deserves special recognition; his wide-format shots infused with elements of the wild provincial landscape turn Russia's rural heart into an analogy for the Wild West.
Among the cast, Stepan Devonin stands out for his portrayal of Sanya's father. His character, an intellectual teacher who writes novels in secret while reluctantly working the market alongside his wife, evokes genuine empathy and respect. Yuri Borisov, stepping into Uncle Alik’s troubled skin, and Nikita Pavlenko bring remarkable depth to their roles, showcasing developed character arcs.
A Teenage Era of Violence and Aspirations
At first glance, the title "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" may appear light-hearted. However, it encapsulates a teenage period where fear and discovery intertwine seamlessly. The ominous black BMW, featured as an emblem of the times from the first episode, materializes as a symbol of violence and the underworld. Yet, the series strikes a balance between dark comedy, drama, and coming-of-age storytelling, leaving audiences to interpret the narrative threads in their unique ways.
Final Thoughts
"World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" is far from just another retelling of the '90s. It’s a nuanced, profound creation that traverses the chasm of transformative years in Russia, captured through the lens of its youth. By weaving together tragedy, humor, and reminiscence, Ilya Aksenov delivers a work that not only entertains and resonates emotionally with viewers but also invites contemplation about the pains and revelations that accompany both personal and societal growth.