A Deep Dive into 90s Nostalgia with Chewing Gum

Modern television often looks towards the past, crafting series that not only spark nostalgia but also help us to reinterpret bygone eras. The show by Ilya Aksenov, "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a striking illustration of this approach, drawing parallels with the American phenomenon "Stranger Things," while firmly rooting itself in Russian realities. In this discussion, we will delve into how this project narrates the story of a generation forged in the rubble of the Soviet Union through the lens of 90s romanticism.

The Genesis of Nostalgia

For millennials, the 90s resonate as a tumultuous transition from the stable Soviet era to a wild capitalist landscape. This decade was not only marked by economic upheaval but also an astounding cultural explosion. The allure of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to provide a glimpse into this chaotic timeframe through the eyes of teenagers navigating the rooftops, bustling markets, and the flickering images of VHS tapes.

While "Stranger Things" encompasses the iconic 1980s American vibe, Aksenov's series showcases the tumultuous 90s in Russia, a period throbbing with both liberty and chaos. This equilibrium is palpable in every facet of the series—from the setting and soundtrack to the story arcs.

Plot: Adventures of Teenagers Amid Crime

At the heart of the story lies a quartet of adolescents: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya, who form a tight-knit group dubbed the "Brotherhood of the Roof." They become entangled in conflicts that mirror the essence of their time. On one hand, they encounter rivalry with local bullies, while on the other, they get caught in the melee between two crime factions: veterans from Afghanistan and the Caucasian mafia. This narrative thread allows viewers to experience the atmosphere of the 90s through the lens of youthful struggles, untainted by adult cynicism.

One remarkable aspect is how these teenagers grapple with not just external conflicts but also their inner emotional landscapes and relationships with their parents. For instance, Sanya's mother manages a household while wrestling with memories of a difficult marriage; his grandfather champions a culture of toughness, juxtaposed against his father, a powerless writer incapable of confronting the tumultuous challenges of the era.

Drawing Inspiration from the Past

The comparisons to "Stranger Things" are unmistakable—the ensemble of friends facing dangers draws audiences into a time-specific atmosphere. However, instead of the fantastical elements, "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" immerses viewers in very real threats familiar to the post-Soviet audience. There are no monsters from parallel universes here; instead, we meet the "wolves" and "bulls"—criminals whose portrayals encapsulate the gritty romance of that time.

The visual choices in the series merit attention as well. Flashbacks are depicted with the effect of rewinding a VHS tape, and conflict scenes are shot in long, unbroken takes, creating a palpable sense of immersion. A particularly memorable scene involving the wreck of a market echoes a similar moment in the movie "Bull."

The Culture of the 90s in Detail

The set designs and props in the series authentically reflect the aesthetic of the time, featuring items such as:

• Flea Markets: Warped jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California."
• Pop Culture: Wall posters of Sylvester Stallone and clips from the film "Kickboxer" adorn the heroes' living spaces.
• Dendy Game Console: Showcasing the heroes playing "Street Fighter," aptly representing the popularity of piracy within western media.

The soundtrack melds hits from the era—like Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway—with modern reinterpretations, such as Sirotkin’s cover of "Breath" from Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender Roles and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, even with strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Aliak's girlfriend, the series remains a reflection of a patriarchal culture. Women strive to carve out their places within a world still governed by the norms of the "wild 90s." Yet, these female portrayals deepen the narrative, reinforcing that this era of transformation impacted everyone.

The Significance of "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"

This series doesn't merely recreate the ambiance of the 90s; it reinterprets it through a contemporary lens. It stands as both an entertaining show and a cultural exploration, shedding light on how the millennial generation, raised amidst chaos, forged its own values.

Moreover, "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a dialogue between the past and the present, uniting viewers across generations, akin to some of the most poignant works of our time.