Dive Deep into the 90s with 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'

The Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey into the Teenage Era of the '90s

The recent series by Ilya Aksenov, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", available on the streaming platform Premier, transcends mere storytelling about growing up in the 1990s; it serves as an immersive voyage into a distinct era of Russia, vividly framed through the lives of teenagers in a quaint provincial town. This project masterfully intertwines nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, crafting a profound and multilayered portrayal of the age of initial capital accumulation.

Teenage Life Amidst Social Change

Set in the turbulent year of 1993 in the Tula region, the narrative unfolds around a tight-knit group of school friends: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and the fiery-haired Zhenya. These youths spend their days lurking behind garages, scaling the roofs of high-rises, and dreaming big about their futures, all while grappling with the quintessential dilemmas of adolescence. Their lives are colored by hormonal explosions, forsaken musical instruments, and the angst of first love, all interspersed with the harsh realities imposed by their family dynamics and societal backdrop.

Sanka’s family is a quintessential representation of the clash between generations in the face of seismic shifts. His mother sells Turkish textiles at the local market, while his father, a professor, flounders amidst the whirlwind of change engulfing the nation. Equally compelling is Uncle Alik, a war veteran from Afghanistan grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder. His nightly battles to restrain his reckless impulses — a poignant metaphor for the internal demons seemingly haunting the entire country — are depicted through gripping scenes such as being handcuffed to a radiator.

From Puberty to the Nation's Puberty

A distinctive hallmark of this series is the parallel drawn between the coming-of-age journey of its protagonists and the concurrent "maturation" of Russia. The 1990s, a time synonymous with the initial gathering of capital, are depicted not through standard gangster stereotyping or glamorous portrayals but rather through dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and the oblivion of youth.

This perspective sets Aksenov’s project apart from other cinematic works focusing on the ‘90s, such as "Tightness" by Kantemir Balagov or "Bull" by Boris Akopov. There’s no excessive dramatization or attempt to romanticize that era. Instead, the series offers a genuine and fresh lens, reminding us that even amidst social catastrophe, teenagers remain teenagers.

Cinematic Style and Acting Performance

Ilya Aksenov, who previously dabbled in guerrilla cinema while creating independent projects, continues to evolve his unique artistic style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Here, he places a pronounced emphasis on the power of acting and the dynamic interactions between characters rather than relying on visual flair. Nevertheless, the cinematographic work by Alexey Filippov warrants special acknowledgment; sweeping widescreen shots infused with elements of untamed provincial landscapes transform rural Russia into a hauntingly beautiful metaphor for the Wild West.

Noteworthy performances emerge, particularly from Stepan Devonin, who embodies Sanka’s father. His character — an intelligent educator struggling to pen a novel while also juggling market sales with his wife — evokes a deep sense of empathy and respect. Yuri Borisov as Uncle Alik, alongside Nikita Pavlenko, both deliver profoundly textured portrayals of their characters, showcasing a richness in the narrative arc.

The Teenage Era of Violence and Dreams

At first glance, the title "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" may come off as whimsical, yet it reflects a deeper sentiment about a teenage era steeped in fear and discovery. A powerful symbol of this tumultuous time appears in the form of a black "Bumer," a car that becomes emblematic of violence and the criminal underbelly. The series skillfully navigates the delicate balance between dark comedy, drama, and the coming-of-age genre, granting viewers the freedom to interpret the multilayered storylines.

Final Thoughts

"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" is not merely another series spotlighting the '90s. It stands as a nuanced and profound piece of storytelling that illuminates the country during a time of sweeping transformations through the lens of its youth. By blending tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov crafts a work that is as entertaining as it is moving, provoking thoughts about how the process of growing up — whether personal or social — is invariably intertwined with both pain and revelation.