Exploring the 90s Through 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
The 90s: An Era That Left an Indelible Mark
The 1990s in Russia stand as a monumental period that has etched itself deeply into the consciousness of an entire generation. Those who lived through this time confronted challenges that were often as daunting as they were transformative. The artistic representation of this epoch seldom strays from themes of pain, loss, and sharp memories of nostalgia. Yet, amidst these dark realities, there also blossomed a spirit of youthful carefreeness, bright dreams, and, above all, a flickering flame of hope.
The film Tender Age by Sergey Solovyov serves as a chronicle for those who struggled to navigate the tumultuous changes of the time. Based on real-life stories penned by the director's son, Mitya, the screenplay encapsulates the essence of an era full of confrontations, losses, and fragile friendships. The haunting words, "Out of 17 people in the group, only four are left alive," resonate powerfully, crystallizing the drama and weight of that period. With an acute awareness of life’s fragility, Solovyov crafted a piece that reflects the harsh truth of the 90s, culminating in a final scene adorned with gold foil and the poignant song "I Dreamed of a Path to the North" by Boris Grebenshchikov, which symbolically illustrates the tragic divide between the living and the dead.
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – Youth Amid the Rhythm of the 90s
In stark contrast to the bleak tone of Tender Age, the series Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! presents an alternate perspective of the same era. Its creators, having been younger, experienced the 90s with a lighter touch. This show brims with an air of ease and youthful naivety, aspects that, despite their refreshing quality, do not hide the brutal reality of life.
The romance of warm rooftops plastered with melting tar, the resonant concerts of Agatha Christie in the Metalurg Palace of Culture, and the first tentative steps into relationships create a multi-layered atmosphere that beautifully captures the essence of youthful exuberance intertwined with the palpable threats of that time.
Our protagonist, Sasha (Yegor Gubarev), despite his decent upbringing and impoverished surroundings, finds himself scrambling for survival amid the criminal underbelly adult society thrusts upon him. The name of his father, Fyodor Ivanovich, serves as a nod to characters from Russian literary classics, emphasizing the tragic fate of a child growing up in an era devoid of stable moral compasses.
Brotherhood and Rooftops: A Fraternity Amid Chaos
The camaraderie between Sasha, Vovan, Zhenya, and Ilyusha transcends mere youthful friendship; it is a fierce struggle for their rightful place in the world. Each summer morphs into a relentless contest over their "squares of living space" against adult gangs who see them as mere nuisances. Their adversaries – the "Gypsy Team" and Zurab's gang – symbolize the unyielding adult reality where survival reigns supreme.
In this harsh climate, adolescents found themselves maturing at a pace no one would desire. The markers of adulthood included not school exams, but rather weapons, drugs, and the gut-wrenching loss of loved ones. Even the most blissful moments—first crushes or the tender thrill of "we're going out together"—became rare beacons of joy in an expansive ocean of chaos.
Symbolism and Cultural References
The screenplay of the series is rich with symbols that accentuate the tragedy of the era. The figure of Fyodor Ivanovich, Sasha's father, echoes literary heroes burdened with suffering as they strive to maintain their dignity. His small gestures of trying to make amends with his son—like offering an ice cream—portray the universal struggle of a generation of parents caught off guard by the new realities emerging around them.
Additionally, other characters draw upon cultural references; for instance, Sasha's uncle, a leader of an "Afghan" brigade named Volkov, closely parallels a character from the film "14+" directed by Zaitsev. Such parallels weave a cohesive artistic fabric wherein the fates of the characters are threaded together by invisible bonds.
Everyday Details: From Syringes to Video Games
The series doesn’t shy away from illuminating the minute, everyday details that distinctly characterize the decade. From the funeral of a mutt atop the hills, and the makeshift gaming remotes crafted from tied-together pancakes, to the slow encroachment of windows in panel apartment blocks, every detail serves as a brushstroke painting a vivid picture of daily life, replete with small joys and monumental tragedies.
An Intermediary Russia: From Weakness to Maturity
The real strength of Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum! lies in its capacity to inspire introspection regarding one’s own mistakes, vulnerabilities, and lessons learned. It offers viewers not just familiar visages, but also experiences that symbolize the essence of growing up. This is not merely a narrative of the 90s; it’s a universal drama about individuals who manage to survive in spite of overwhelming difficulties.
Similar to Solovyov's film, this series imbues its audience with a blend of sorrow and hope. Sorrow for the past, for those eternally trapped in it. Hope that weaknesses and mistakes can metamorphose into experiences that herald a new beginning.