Explore 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!' – A 90s Journey
Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey into the Teenage Era of the 90s
The series by Ilya Aksenov, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", recently launched on the streaming platform Premier, is far more than just a coming-of-age tale set in the 1990s. It serves as an immersive dive into a distinctive period of Russian history, portrayed through the lives of adolescents in a quaint provincial town. This ambitious project seamlessly blends nostalgia, pathos, and humor, weaving a rich and multi-dimensional portrait of the early capital accumulation years in Russia.
Teenage Life Amidst Social Change
Set against the backdrop of 1993, in the Tula region, the narrative unfolds around a group of school friends: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and the spirited Zhenya. Their carefree days are marked by adventures in deserted garages, atop towering apartment blocks, and filled with dreams for the future, all the while grappling with the quintessential challenges of adolescence. Fluctuating hormones, abandoned musical pursuits, and the thrill of first romances intertwine with the stark realities stemming from their family backgrounds and community dynamics.
Take Sanya's family, for instance, a vivid representation of generational struggles with change. His mother is seen hawking Turkish linens at the local market while his father, an academic, drifts helplessly in the chaotic sea of societal transformation. Another compelling character is Uncle Alick, a Vietnam veteran haunted by post-traumatic stress disorder. His nightly battles against reckless impulses and the haunting images of bondage symbolize the internal struggles that seem to shadow an entire nation seeking stability.
From Adolescence to Nationhood
One of the unique aspects of this series lies in drawing striking parallels between the characters' coming-of-age journeys and the broader "coming-of-age" of Russia itself. The tumultuous 1990s, often defined by initial capital growth, are portrayed here not through the lens of gaudy gangster glamour, but rather through dusty playgrounds, abandoned factories, and the typical forgetfulness of youth.
This approach sets Aksenov's project apart from other cinematic interpretations of the 90s, such as "Tightness" by Kantemir Balagov or "Bull" by Boris Akopov. There are no excessive dramatizations or attempts to romanticize the era. Instead, the series delivers an honest and refreshing perspective, a reminder that during even the darkest societal upheavals, youth retains its quintessentially rebellious spirit.
Cinematic Style and Acting Performances
Ilya Aksenov, who previously dabbled in guerrilla cinema and created independent works, further hones his distinctive style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!". He prioritizes actor performances and narrative dynamics over gaudy visual spectacles. However, the cinematography by Alexey Filippov deserves special mention: panoramic shots adorned with the essence of rural provincial life transform the Russian countryside into a striking counterpart to the Wild West.
Noteworthy performances include Stepan Devonin as Sanya's father, a nuanced portrayal of an intellectual writer compelled to sell wares alongside his wife. His character garners genuine sympathy and respect. Actors Yuri Borisov as Uncle Alick and Nikita Pavlenko also breathe deeply into their roles, providing a richness to the narrative.
The Era of Violence and Dreams
Although the series title appears deceptively lighthearted, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" captures a teenage phase where fear and discovery coexist. Right from the pilot episode, a symbol of the era - a black BMW, epitomizing violence and the criminal underworld - enters the scene. However, the show balances the grim realities with elements of dark comedy, drama, and the earnestness of growing up, inviting viewers to interpret the unfolding stories through their own lenses.
Final Thoughts
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transcends being just another drama set in the 90s. It is a profound artistic endeavor that reveals a country undergoing monumental transformations through the lens of youthful experiences. By intertwining tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov crafts a narrative that entertains, moves, and compels viewers to reflect on the notion that growing up, whether on a personal level or within society, is invariably a journey fraught with pain and revelation.