Exploring 90s Nostalgia in 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'

In today's television landscape, there is a growing trend of looking back to the past, crafting series that not only elicit feelings of nostalgia but also provide a fresh perspective on historical eras. One standout example of this is Ilya Aksenov's series, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” which acts as a vibrant mirror to the chaotic yet captivating 1990s, drawing inevitable comparisons to the American phenomenon, “Stranger Things.” However, while the latter revels in the Americana of the 80s, Aksenov’s work dives deeply into the unique Russian reality of its own transformative decade. In this exploration, we will dissect how the series uses the lens of 90s nostalgia to narrate the coming-of-age journey of a generation that emerged from the ruins of the Soviet Union.

The Origins of Nostalgia

For millennials, the 1990s evoke memories of a tumultuous shift from the stability of Soviet life to the unpredictability of wild capitalism. This era was characterized not only by economic upheaval but also by an unprecedented cultural renaissance. The charm of “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” lies in its ability to transport viewers back to this transformative period, seen through the eyes of teenagers navigating life among rooftop hangouts, bustling markets, and VHS tapes.

While “Stranger Things” focuses on the pop culture of 1980s America, Aksenov’s narrative immerses us in the domestic 90s—an era that was as much about newfound liberties as it was about chaos. This delicate balance permeates the show, resonating through the decor, musical choices, and narrative arcs that define the series.

Plot: Adventures of Teenagers in a Crime-Filled Reality

At the heart of this gripping series are four adolescents: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. This group, dubbed the “Brotherhood of the Rooftop,” is entrenched in conflicts that encapsulate the essence of their time. They face rivalries not just with local bullies but also the broader malaise of competing criminal factions: seasoned Afghan war veterans and the rising Caucasian mafia. This storyline allows a unique glimpse into the atmosphere of the 90s through the poignant lens of youthful experiences, stripped of adult cynicism.

Fascinatingly, as these teenagers grapple with external threats, they also engage in a profound exploration of their inner selves and their relationships with their parents. For instance, Sanya's mother must manage the household while wrestling with heavy reminiscences of a troubled marriage; his grandfather espouses a culture of strength, and his father, an indecisive writer, struggles with the challenges of a changing world.

Inspiration from the Past

The parallels with “Stranger Things” are hard to ignore: a group of friends faces danger, plunging the audience into a distinct zeitgeist. Yet, rather than magical creatures of a parallel universe, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” exposes viewers to very real threats familiar to a post-Soviet audience. Instead of monsters, there are the “wolves” and “bulls”—gangsters whose presence embodies the gritty romanticism of that era.

The show's visual style is equally noteworthy. Flashbacks are creatively presented as if fast-forwarded on a video cassette, while conflict scenes are filmed in long, uninterrupted takes that create a visceral sense of immersion. A particularly memorable moment is a chaotic marketplace raid, echoing a scene from the movie “Bull.”

The Culture of the 90s in Detail

The show's sets and props meticulously convey the aesthetic of the time:

• Flea Markets: Boasting boiled jeans, caps emblazoned with “USA California.”
• Pop Culture: Walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and stills from the film “Kickboxer.”
• The Dendy Gaming Console: Features prominently as the characters indulge in “Street Fighter,” highlighting the penchant for pirated copies of Western goods.

The soundtrack is a delightful blend of era-defining hits (such as Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) paired with contemporary reinterpretations (for instance, Sirotkin’s cover of “Breath” by Nautilus Pompidou).

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, despite the presence of strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Alika's girlfriend, the series mirrors a patriarchal society. Women often find themselves fighting for their place amidst men still adhering to the codes of the tumultuous 90s. Nevertheless, the portrayal of female characters adds depth to the narrative, reminding us that the shifts of this era impacted everyone.

Why ‘Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!’ Matters

This series not only skillfully reconstructs the ambiance of the 90s but also reframes it through the lens of contemporary issues. It serves as both an entertaining spectacle and a cultural exploration, illustrating how a generation raised amidst chaos forged its own set of values.

Moreover, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” constitutes a dialogue between the past and the present, creating a bridge that resonates with viewers across different age groups, much like the best artistic works.