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

The modern television landscape has a captivating inclination to delve into the past, crafting series that not only stir the waters of nostalgia but also offer a fresh perspective on bygone eras. Ilya Aksenov's series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" stands out as a striking instance of this trend, evoking a sense akin to the American sensation "Stranger Things," while placing a distinct focus on Russian realities. In this exploration, we will dissect how this project, through the filters of '90s romance, portrays the emergence of a generation molded amidst the fragments of the USSR.

What Fuels Nostalgia?

For millennials, the '90s conjure images of a tumultuous shift from the security of the Soviet era to the unpredictable nature of rampant capitalism. This decade not only bore witness to economic upheaval but also ignited an extraordinary cultural renaissance. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to present this period through the eyes of teenagers navigating the labyrinth of rooftops, markets, and VHS tapes that characterized their youth.

While "Stranger Things" is anchored in the quintessential American '80s, its counterpart here reflects the distinctly chaotic freedom of the Russian '90s. This intricate balance permeates every facet of the series — from the evocative set designs and soundtrack to the intertwining storylines.

The Plot: Adventures of Teens in a Criminal Reality

At the heart of the narrative are four teenagers: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Their group, dubbed "Brotherhood of the Roof," finds itself embroiled in conflicts that echo the era's spirit. On one front, they contend with local bullies, while on another, they navigate the treacherous waters of two rival criminal factions: veterans from Afghanistan and the Caucasian mafia. This particular storyline allows viewers to experience the '90s through the lens of youthful emotions, untainted by adult cynicism.

What’s particularly captivating is how these adolescents grapple not only with external threats but also with their inner turmoil relating to familial relationships. For instance, Sanka's mother juggles household duties while wrestling with painful memories of a troubled marriage. The grandfather perpetuates a cult of strength, while the father — a timid writer — struggles to rise to the challenges of the times.

Inspiration from the Past

The parallels with "Stranger Things" are hard to ignore: a band of friends facing danger, pulling the audience into a definitive period. However, unlike the fantastical elements found in its American counterpart, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" surfaces real and recognizable menaces familiar to a post-Soviet audience. Rather than monsters from alternate dimensions, viewers are met with thugs and criminals — figures that embody the gritty romanticism of the times.

The visual storytelling is equally noteworthy. Flashbacks are crafted to mimic the rewind of a VHS tape, while conflict scenes flow in long, unbroken takes, immersing the audience in the raw atmosphere. One particularly striking scene is the marketplace riot, echoing similar moments in the film "Bull."

The Culture of the '90s in Detail

The series meticulously recreates the aesthetic of the time, showcasing:

• Marketplaces: Clothing markets brimming with boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with “USA California.”
• Pop Culture: Posters of Sylvester Stallone and clips from the film "Kickboxer" adorn the characters' walls.
• Gaming Nostalgia: The Dendy gaming console captures the characters' adventures as they engage in "Street Fighter," illustrating the popularity of pirated games from the West.

The musical backdrop elegantly intertwines hits of the decade (Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) with contemporary reinterpretations (including Sirotkin's cover of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius).

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Intriguingly, while strong female characters, such as Zhenya, Sanka’s mother, and Alica’s girlfriend, are prominent, the series remains a mirror reflecting patriarchal culture. Women often find themselves vying for their place in this world, battling against men who still adhere to the unwritten laws of the notorious '90s. Nevertheless, the portrayal of female characters enriches the narrative, reminding us that the era of change impacted everyone involved.

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Matters

This series not only masterfully recreates the ambiance of the '90s but also reinterprets it through the lens of contemporary society. It emerges as both an entertaining show and a cultural examination, revealing how a millennial generation, born into chaos, forged its own set of values.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a dialogue between the past and the present, much like the very best works of art, uniting viewers from varied generations in shared appreciation.