Exploring 90s Youth Through 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum'

The Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey Through the Teenage Era of the 90s

The series by Ilya Aksenov, titled "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" recently made its debut on the streaming platform Premier. More than just a coming-of-age story set in the 1990s, it transports viewers into a uniquely rich era of Russia, revealing life through the eyes of teenagers in a small provincial town. This compelling project wades through nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, crafting a profound and intricate portrait of the initial stages of capital accumulation.

Teenage Life Amidst Social Change

Set against the backdrop of 1993 in Tula Oblast, the narrative unfolds through the experiences of school-aged friends: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and the fiery-haired Zhenya. Their daily lives unfold in backyards, atop apartment buildings, as they dream about their futures while confronting typical adolescent dilemmas. Hormonal surges, abandoned musical aspirations, and fledgling romances intermingle with the harsh realities surrounding their families.

Take, for instance, Sanya’s family, which epitomizes how different generations grappled with change. His mother sells Turkish linens at the local market, while his father, a university lecturer, struggles to navigate the whirlwind of societal shifts. Equally compelling is Uncle Alik, a Vietnam veteran grappling with PTSD—a portrayal that invokes the struggles many faced during that turbulent time. His nighttime battles to avoid reckless behavior and scenes involving handcuffs chained to radiators serve as a metaphor for wrestling with personal demons, which seemed to haunt entire generations of the nation.

From Adolescence to National Awakening

A distinctive aspect of this series is the parallel it draws between the maturation of its characters and the "coming of age" of Russia itself. The 1990s, an era marked by the birth of capitalistic principles, is portrayed not in terms of the typical crime-ridden or glamorous imagery but through dusty playgrounds, abandoned factories, and the oblivion of youth.

This nuanced approach sets Aksenov’s work apart from other cinematic interpretations of the 90s, such as Kantemir Balagov's "Tightness" and Boris Akopov's "Bull". There’s a refreshing lack of overzealous dramatization or romanticization of those years; instead, the audience is offered a candid perspective, reminding us that even amidst social upheaval, adolescents remain true to their essence.

Cinematic Style and Acting Mastery

With a background in guerrilla cinema and independent projects, Ilya Aksenov fosters his unique visual storytelling in “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” He emphasizes the performances and chemistry among actors rather than extravagant visuals. However, the cinematography by Alexei Filippov deserves commendation—his expansive shots with elements of untamed provincial nature transform Russian backwaters into a parallel to the Wild West.

Among the cast’s striking revelations is Stepan Devonin as Sanya’s father. Portrayed as an intellectual teacher secretly crafting a novel while struggling to sell goods at the market with his wife, he invites both empathy and respect. Yuri Borisov, in the role of Uncle Alik, alongside Nikita Pavlenko, skillfully delves into their characters, providing depth and complexity.

A Teenage Era of Violence and Dreams

At first glance, the series' title may seem whimsically light-hearted. Yet "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" delves into a youth culture where fear and discovery intertwine seamlessly. In the very first episode, a black "Bimmer" materializes as a chilling symbol of violence and the criminal underworld. Yet, the series strikes a balance between dark comedy, drama, and a coming-of-age tale, inviting viewers to interpret its narrative threads individually.

Final Thoughts

"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transcends the label of yet another 1990s show. It emerges as a nuanced and compelling narrative that utilizes the lens of youth to reflect a nation during one of its most transformative periods. By blending tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov creates a work that not only entertains but also touches hearts and provokes contemplation on how personal and societal maturation invariably arrives hand-in-hand with pain and revelations.