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

Television today often reaches back into history, producing series that not only evoke nostalgia but also provoke a reinterpretation of important eras. The show "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" by Ilya Aksenov serves as a prime exhibit of this approach, drawing parallels with the American phenomenon "Stranger Things," yet firmly rooted in Russian realities. In this article, we will delve into how the series, through the lens of 90s romanticism, narrates the formation of a generation shaped amid the ruins of the USSR.

Where Does Nostalgia Come From?

For millennials, the 90s signify a turbulent transition from the stability of the Soviet regime to the wild landscape of capitalism. This decade was characteristically marked by economic upheaval, yet simultaneously, it was a time of astonishing cultural rebirth. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to offer a glimpse into this era through the eyes of teenagers navigating the complexities of life between rooftop realms, bustling markets, and VHS tapes.

If "Stranger Things" immerses us in the American 80s, this series shines a spotlight on the chaotic yet liberating atmosphere of domestic 90s Russia. The perfect equilibrium of freedom and disorder reverberates throughout the show—from the vivid sets and nostalgic soundtrack to the intricate storylines woven into its fabric.

Plot: Adventures of Teens in a Criminal Reality

At the heart of the story lie four teenagers: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. The quartet, dubbed "The Brotherhood of the Roofs," becomes entangled in conflicts that capture the essence of their time. One thread involves rivalries with local thugs, while another pits them against two warring criminal factions—veterans from Afghanistan and the Caucasian mafia. This narrative trajectory allows viewers to experience the 90s through youthful trials, imbued with innocence, untainted by adult cynicism.

Notably, as the teens grapple with these external struggles, they simultaneously endeavor to navigate their own emotional landscapes and familial dynamics. For instance, Sanya’s mother is left to manage their home and confront harsh memories of a troubled marriage, while his grandfather champions a cult of strength, and his feeble father, a struggling writer, finds himself ineffectual against the tumult of the times.

Inspiration from the Past

The comparisons with "Stranger Things" are rather evident: a group of friends confronting dangers that transpose viewers into a specific historical ambiance. However, instead of venturing into the realm of fantasy, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" presents authentic threats with which the post-Soviet audience is all too familiar. Rather than monsters lurking in parallel universes, there are real-life dangers in the form of "wolves" and "bulls"—the gangsters that embody the romanticized criminal image of that era.

The visual style of the series deserves particular mention as well. Flashbacks are crafted as if the audience is rewinding a VHS tape, and conflict scenes unfold in long continuous takes, enhancing the immersive experience. One particularly striking scene, the rampage at a market, echoes a similar moment from the film "Bull."

The Culture of the 90s in Detail

The set designs and props of the series meticulously capture the aesthetic essence of the 90s era:

• Flea Markets: Displaying items like washed-out jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California."
• Pop Culture: Walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and snapshots from the film "Kickboxer," offering a glimpse into the entertainment universe of the time.
• Dendy Gaming Console: The characters engage in "Street Fighter," underscoring the virulent popularity of pirated Western products.

The soundtrack elegantly melds era-defining hits (Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) with contemporary reimagined covers—such as Sirotkin’s rendition of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, despite featuring strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Alik's girlfriend, the series still reflects the patriarchal culture of its time. Women must tirelessly fight for their rightful place within this turbulent world, often clashing with men who remain entrenched in the old rules of the "wild 90s." Yet, the presence of these female characters adds depth to the narrative, reminding us that the tides of change affected everyone in different ways.

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Matters

This series not only skillfully recreates the atmosphere of the 90s but also reinterprets the era through the lens of modern-day sensibilities. It stands as both an entertaining show and a cultural exploration, illustrating how the millennial generation, raised amid chaos, forged its own set of values.

Ultimately, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a meaningful dialogue between the past and present, resonating with audiences across generations, much like the finest works of art.