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

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

Modern television often takes a nostalgic look back to the past, crafting series that elicit warm memories while prompting us to reevaluate different eras. One notable example of this phenomenon is Ilya Aksenov's series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" which resonates strongly with the American sensation "Stranger Things," yet casts its gaze firmly on the unique realities of Russia. This article delves into how the show employs the lens of 90s romantic nostalgia to narrate the formation of a generation emerging from the wreckage of the Soviet Union.

Where Does Nostalgia Come From?

For millennials, the 1990s evoke a tumultuous transition from the stability once offered by the Soviet regime to the chaotic rush of burgeoning capitalism. This decade, rife with economic uncertainty, also witnessed an astonishing cultural bloom. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to allow viewers to experience this era through the eyes of teenagers navigating the thrilling maze of life amidst the rooftops, marketplaces, and gritty tapes of VHS.

While "Stranger Things" focuses on the American experience of the vibrant 80s, the Russian counterpart allows audiences to step into the rich tapestry of the 90s—a time marked by both liberation and disorder. This delicate balance permeates every facet of the series, from set designs and musical scores to multifaceted storylines.

Plot: Teen Adventures Amid Criminal Realities

At the narrative's heart are four teenagers: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Their collective, dubbed "The Brotherhood of the Roof," finds itself embroiled in conflicts that capture the spirit of their time. On one side is their rivalry with neighborhood bullies, while on the other, they’re caught in the crossfire between two crime syndicates: Afghan war veterans and Caucasian mafia. This storyline allows for a youthful exploration of the 90s atmosphere, devoid of the cynical lens typically adopted by adults.

Furthermore, it’s particularly fascinating to observe how these teens grapple with their feelings and relationships with their parents amidst external conflicts. For instance, Sanya's mother juggles managing their household while battling memories of a difficult marriage; his grandfather champions a culture of toughness, while his father—a weak-willed writer—struggles to face the challenges of their era.

Inspiration Drawn from the Past

The parallels to "Stranger Things" are unmistakable; a crew of friends faces peril while immersing viewers in a distinctly defined time period. However, unlike the fantastical elements of its American counterpart, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" presents very real threats familiar to the post-Soviet audience. Here, there aren’t monsters from alternate realms, but rather the "wolves" and "bulls"—the gangsters whose portrayals encapsulate the criminal romance of that time.

The visual narrative of the series also deserves accolades. Flashbacks are creatively presented to mimic the rewind of a video cassette, while conflict scenes unfold through long, uninterrupted shots, inducing a palpable sense of presence. A particularly striking scene showcasing the market destruction recalls a similar sequence from the film "Bull."

90s Culture in the Details

The series meticulously captures the aesthetic of the time through its decorations and props:

• Flea Markets: Featuring boiled jeans and caps bearing the title "USA California."
• Pop Culture: Posters of Sylvester Stallone and clips from the film "Kickboxer" grace the walls of the characters’ spaces.
• Dendy Gaming Console: The characters play "Street Fighter," highlighting the popularity of pirated copies of Western products.

The musical backdrop artfully blends the hits of the era—such as Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway—with modern reinterpretations, like the cover of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius performed by Sirotkin.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Notably, even with strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Alika's girlfriend, the series reflects a patriarchal culture. Women are depicted as striving for their place in this rugged world, often clashing with men who remain entrenched in the laws of the "wild nineties." Nonetheless, female characters contribute depth to the narrative, reminding us that the era of change impacted everyone.

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

This series serves not only as a masterful recreation of the 90s atmosphere but also as a reexamination of that decade through the modern lens. It presents itself as both a captivating entertainment venture and a cultural inquiry, illustrating how millennials, molded in the crucible of chaos, shaped their values.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" embodies a dialogue between the past and present, akin to the best works that unite audiences from various generations.