Exploring ‘Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!’ and 90s Nostalgia

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" is a Mirror of the 90s and Our "Stranger Things"

Modern television frequently turns its gaze backward, crafting series that evoke nostalgia while also prompting reflection on bygone eras. Ilya Aksenov’s series, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", stands as a vivid illustration of this trend. It conjures comparisons to the American sensation "Stranger Things," switching the focal point from an American perspective to the rich tapestry of Russian realities. In this piece, we will delve into how the show, through the filters of 90s romanticism, narrates the coming-of-age story of a generation that germinated from the ashes of the USSR.

Where Does Nostalgia Stem From?

For millennials, the 1990s conjure images of a tumultuous transition—shifting from the steadfastness of Soviet life to the frenzy of wild capitalism. This decade was marked not just by economic upheaval, but by an astonishing cultural renaissance. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to present this era through the eyes of teenagers navigating life amidst rooftops, bustling markets, and VHS tapes.

While "Stranger Things" transports viewers back to the American 80s, this series roots itself in the domestic 90s—a time imbued with both liberation and chaos. Each facet of the show, from its set designs to its musical scores and narrative arcs, encapsulates this delicate balance.

The Plot: Teen Adventures in a Crime-Filled Reality

At the heart of the narrative lie four adolescents: Sanyka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Their crew, dubbed "The Brotherhood of the Rooftop," becomes entangled in conflicts that echo the zeitgeist. On one front, they find themselves at odds with local bullies; on another, they become embroiled in a standoff between two criminal factions: Afghan war veterans and the Caucasian mafia. This storyline allows for a glimpse into the essence of the 90s through the lens of youthful experiences, untainted by adult cynicism.

Particularly captivating is how these teenagers grapple not only with external dangers but also with their internal emotional landscapes and familial relationships. For instance, Sanyka’s mother navigates the challenges of home life while wrestling with bitter memories of a tumultuous marriage; meanwhile, his grandfather champions a cult of strength, and his father, a feckless writer, appears ill-equipped to contend with the challenges of the times.

Inspiration from the Past

The parallels with "Stranger Things" are unmistakable: a crew of friends facing dangers that immerse the audience in a specific historical ambiance. However, instead of otherworldly phenomena, viewers of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" encounter starkly real threats, familiar to the post-Soviet populace. Instead of monsters from alternate realms, the show provides glimpses of the "wolves" and "bulls"—criminal figures embodying the gritty allure of that era.

The visual choices throughout the series are also deserving of praise; flashbacks are presented like rewinded videotapes and conflicts are captured via lengthy, unbroken shots, creating a sense of immersion. A particularly memorable scene involves the obliteration of a market, a striking homage to a similar moment in the film "Bull."

The Culture of the 90s in Detail

The show’s decor and props meticulously capture the aesthetics of the time:

• Flea Markets: features items like boiled jeans and caps emblazoned with "USA California".
• Pop Culture: walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and stills from the film "Kickboxer" lend authenticity to the characters' environments.
• Dendy Game Console: the characters frequently play “Street Fighter,” symbolizing the popularity of pirated Western games.

The musical elements blend period hits (Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) with contemporary revisionist covers, such as Sirotkin’s rendition of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, despite the presence of strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanyka's mother, and Alica's girlfriend, the series still reflects a patriarchal culture. Women are compelled to fight for their place within this world, often through clashes with men who adhere to the rigid codes of the "wild 90s." Nevertheless, these female portrayals add a rich layer to the narrative, reminding viewers that the transformative era impacted everyone, regardless of gender.

Why is "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Important?

This series excels not only in recreating the atmosphere of the 90s but also in reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens. It pairs entertainment with cultural exploration, illustrating how millennials, raised in a cacophony of chaos, forged their own value systems.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a dialogue between the past and the present, akin to the finest works that unite audiences across generational divides.