Exploring 90s Nostalgia in 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Reflects the 90s and Our "Stranger Things"
Today’s television landscape heavily leans on nostalgia, crafting series that not only evoke memories but also encourage viewers to reflect on bygone eras. The series by Ilya Aksenov, Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!, stands as a vivid illustration of this phenomenon, drawing parallels to the American sensation Stranger Things, yet with a distinct lens focusing on Russian realities. In this article, we will delve into how this project weaves the essence of the 90s through the lens of teenage romance, revealing the formative experiences of a generation shaped amidst the ruins of the USSR.
The Birth of Nostalgia
For millennials, the 1990s evoke a whirlwind of memories marked by the seismic shift from Soviet stability to wild capitalism. This tumultuous decade was characterized not just by economic upheaval but by an astonishing cultural renaissance. The charm of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! lies in its ability to portray this era through the eyes of its adolescent characters, immersed amidst rooftops, bustling markets, and the glow of VHS tapes.
While Stranger Things draws its narrative from the vibrant tapestry of 1980s America, this series immerses us in the chaotic yet liberating Russian 90s, encapsulating the duality of freedom and disorder. Every detail, from the set design to the soundtrack and story arcs, reflects this delicate balance.
Plot: Teen Adventures in a Criminal Reality
At the heart of the series lies the journey of four teenagers: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. This group, dubbed the "Brotherhood of the Rooftop," becomes entangled in conflicts that mirror the zeitgeist of their time. On one side, they grapple with local bullies; on the other, they find themselves reluctantly caught in the crossfire between two crime factions—the Afghanistan war veterans and the Caucasian mafia. This narrative thread provides a glance into the gritty atmosphere of the 90s through the innocent yet turbulent experiences of youth, untainted by adult cynicism.
Particularly fascinating is how these teens strive to navigate their inner turmoils alongside external threats. For instance, Sanka’s mother juggles household duties while haunted by memories of a challenging marriage, and his grandfather perpetuates a cult of strength, contrasted sharply by his father, a timid writer incapable of meeting the era's demands.
Inspiration from the Past
The obvious comparisons to Stranger Things arise as the group of friends battles real-world dangers, enveloping the viewer in a distinct atmosphere. However, rather than mythical beasts from alternate dimensions, Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! presents tangible threats, all too familiar to its post-Soviet audience. Instead of monsters lurking in the shadows, here exist the "wolves" and "bulls"—gangsters whose personas encapsulate the criminal allure of that time.
The visual style of the series is also noteworthy. Flashbacks are reminiscent of rewinding a video cassette, and conflict scenes unfold in long continuous takes, enriching the viewer's sense of presence. A particularly memorable scene portrays the market's destruction, echoing a similar moment in the film The Bull.
The Culture of the 90s in Fine Detail
The set design and props in the series meticulously capture the essence of the 90s:
- Flea markets: Featuring boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California".
- Pop culture: Walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and scenes from the film Kickboxer.
- Gaming: The Dendy console where characters enjoy Street Fighter, underscoring the prevalence of pirated Western goods.
The soundtrack skillfully blends era-defining hits (Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) with contemporary reinterpretations, as seen with Sirotkin’s cover of Breathe by Nautilus Pompilius.
Gender and Toxic Masculinity
Interestingly, although strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanka's mother, and Alick’s girlfriend emerge, the series still reflects a patriarchal culture. Women must fight for their space in a world often dictated by men who abide by the laws of the "wild 90s." Nevertheless, the portrayal of female figures enriches the narrative, highlighting how this era of transformation impacted everyone.
Why Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! Matters
This series not only adeptly recreates the ambience of the 90s but also reframes it through today's perspective. It emerges as both an entertaining show and a cultural exploration, illustrating how the millennial generation, raised amidst chaos, developed its values.
Moreover, Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! fosters a dialogue between the past and present, akin to the finest works, uniting viewers from different generations.