Exploring Russia in the 1990s: Art and Resilience
The 1990s in Russia represent a tumultuous decade that profoundly affected the collective consciousness of an entire generation. Those who lived through this period faced numerous challenges that often felt overwhelming. Artistic interpretations of this time rarely shy away from themes of pain, loss, and vivid memories. Yet, amidst these dark realities, there was also room for youthful carefree spirits, bright aspirations, and, undeniably, a spark of hope.
Serguei Soloviev’s film “Tender Age” serves as a poignant chronicle for those who struggled to navigate the turbulent transformations of the era. The screenplay, inspired by real-life experiences shared by the director’s son, Mitya, encapsulates the very essence of a time marked by conflicts, losses, and fragile friendships. The phrase, "Of the 17 members of our group, only four have survived," starkly illustrates the dramatic nature of those days. Understanding the fragility of human existence, Soloviev crafted a work that reveals the stark truths of the 1990s. The final scene, featuring golden foil and the song "I Dreamt of a Path to the North" by Boris Grebenshchikov, symbolizes the tragic boundary between the living and the dead.
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – Youth Through the Lens of the 90s
In stark contrast to the hopeless tone of “Tender Age,” the series “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” offers an alternative glimpse into this era. Younger creators who experienced the 90s firsthand managed to navigate through this decade with less trauma. The show is infused with a light-heartedness and youthful naiveté that never fully obscures the harsh realities of life. The romance of warm rooftops smeared with molten tar, concerts by Agata Kristi at the Metallurg Cultural Center, and the initial forays into love craft a complex atmosphere rich in emotion.
The character Sasha (Egor Gubarev) faces life with decent upbringing yet finds himself entangled in an impoverished reality dictated by the adults around him—criminal gangs, street fights, and the burdens of premature adulthood. His father, Fedya Ivanovich, whose name echoes literary heroes of Russian classics, highlights the tragedy of a child's journey through a landscape devoid of stable moral compasses.
Brotherhood Amidst Chaos: A Fight for Existence
Sasha's camaraderie with Vovan, Zhenya, and Ilyusha transcends typical adolescent friendship; it punctuates the dire fight for their place in a tumultuous world. Each summer transforms into an endless struggle for territorial dominance against adult factions. Their adversaries, known as "Gypsy Team" and the Zurab Group, embody the ruthless reality of adulthood, where survival dominates all else.
In such a world, these youngsters matured at an alarming pace. The threshold of adulthood was measured not by school exams but by violence, drugs, and traumatic losses of loved ones. Even the most joyous occasions, such as the thrill of one's first love or the comforting sentiment of "we're dating," became fleeting islands of happiness in a vast sea of turmoil.
Symbolism and Cultural References
The script of the series is saturated with symbols that emphasize the tragic nature of the era. The character of Fedya Ivanovich, Sasha's father, serves as a reminder of tormented literary figures striving to preserve their human dignity. His attempts to assuage his guilt towards his son—small gestures like offering him a cup of ice cream—reflect the universal drama faced by a generation of parents unprepared for the shifting realities of the world.
Other characters also echo cultural references. Uncle Sasha, the leader of the Afghan brigade, resonates with figures from the film 14+, directed by Zaitsev. These parallels weave a coherent artistic fabric where destinies interconnect through invisible ties.
Everyday Life: From Syringes to Video Games
The show does not shy away from the gritty details of daily life that vividly characterize the era. From the funerals of mixed-breed dogs near hills made from hamster cages to makeshift controllers fashioned from weights and a backyard assembly of panel houses slowly expanding, every detail paints a picture filled with small joys and significant tragedies of life.
Russia on the Brink: From Weakness to Growth
The chief strength of “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” lies in its power to evoke contemplation about personal mistakes, weaknesses, and invaluable lessons. It invites viewers not just to recognize familiar images but also to relive moments emblematic of growing up. This is not just a tale of the 1990s but a universal drama about people who endure against all odds.
Like Soloviev’s film, the series leaves audiences with a blend of melancholy and hope—sadness for the past and those who became a part of it forever, coupled with the expectation that errors and frailties can evolve into experiences that usher in new beginnings.