Exploring the 90s through 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
The series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", crafted by Ilia Aksenov and recently unveiled on the streaming platform Premier, is much more than a mere coming-of-age tale set in the 1990s. It serves as a profound expedition into a distinct era of Russian history, unfolded through the lenses of adolescents residing in a quaint provincial town. This project artfully intertwines nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, painting a rich, layered portrait of the tumultuous period characterized by the initial accumulation of capital.
Teenage Life Amidst Social Turmoil
Set against the backdrop of 1993 in the Tula region, the narrative follows a group of high schoolers: Sanka, Vovka, Ilia, and the spirited redhead Zhenya. They spend their time hidden away behind garages and atop the rooftops of high-rises, dreaming about the future while grappling with the universal tribulations of youth. The swirling emotions of adolescence collide with the stark realities of their family lives.
Sanka's family epitomizes how various generations navigated the tides of change. His mother makes her living selling Turkish linens at the market, while his father, an academic, flounders amidst the societal upheaval. A particularly vivid character is Uncle Alik, a veteran of the Afghan war, tormented by post-traumatic stress syndrome. His nightly struggles to maintain composure, reminiscent of a desperate tethering to a radiator, symbolize the broader fight against the inner demons that seem to haunt the entire nation.
From Puberty to National Maturation
One distinctive quality of the series is the seamless parallel drawn between the personal growth of its characters and the national maturation of Russia itself. The 1990s, an era defined by the scrambling for wealth, is portrayed not through the clichéd lenses of gangsters or glitz, but rather through the dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and the dreamy detachment of youth.
This approach distinguishes Aksenov's venture from other cinematic explorations of the 90s, such as "Closeness" by Kantemir Balagov and "Bull" by Boris Akopov. In this narrative, there is an absence of overdramatic embellishment or attempts to romanticize the decade. Instead, a candid and refreshing perspective emerges, reminding us that even against a backdrop of social catastrophes, teenagers will invariably be just that – teenagers.
Cinematic Style and Actor Performances
Ilia Aksenov, who previously dabbled in guerrilla cinema and established himself through independent projects, continues to cultivate his unique artistic voice. In "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", he prioritizes the actors' performances and the narrative's dynamics over visual spectacle. However, the cinematography by Alexey Filippov certainly deserves accolades, offering wide-format shots with hints of untamed provincial landscapes that transform rural Russia into a veritable Wild West.
Among the notable acting breakthroughs is Stepan Devonin, who portrays Sanka’s father. His character, an intellectual educator secretly penning a novel while grappling with the demands of market trading alongside his wife, evokes genuine empathy and respect. Yuri Borisov's portrayal of Uncle Alik, alongside Nikita Pavlenko, showcases meticulously crafted characters with depth and authenticity.
A Teenage Era of Violence and Dreams
The title of the series might come off as deceptively lighthearted, yet "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" delves into the teenage experience, where fear and discovery coexist. The very first episode introduces a powerful symbol of the time – a black BMW, representing the brutality and criminal underbelly of society. Nonetheless, the series adeptly balances elements of dark comedy, drama, and a classic coming-of-age narrative, allowing viewers to engage in their own interpretations of the unfolding storylines.
Final Reflection
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transcends being merely another series set in the 90s. It stands as a delicate and profound exploration that, through the imagery of adolescence, reflects on a nation undergoing its most significant transformations. By intertwining tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilia Aksenov has created a work that not only entertains and touches the heart but also provokes thoughtful consideration about how the journey of growing up – be it personal or societal – is invariably accompanied by pain and revelatory moments.