Exploring the Cultural Richness of 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Reflects the 90s and Our Own "Stranger Things"

In the realm of modern television, there's a growing trend of reflecting on past decades, giving birth to series that not only evoke nostalgia but also encourage a fresh interpretation of those eras. One brilliant embodiment of this trend is Ilya Aksenov's series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", which serves as a vivid lens through which we examine the tumultuous Russian 1990s while drawing intriguing parallels with the iconic American series "Stranger Things". In this article, we will delve into how this project, seen through the romanticized filters of the 90s, narrates the formative experiences of a generation raised amidst the remnants of the USSR.

Where Does Nostalgia Stem From?

For millennials, the 1990s often evoke memories of a wild transition; a leap from the steadiness of the Soviet era to the mercurial landscape of unbridled capitalism. This period was marked not only by economic upheaval but also by an explosive cultural renaissance. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its capacity to shed light on this transformative era through the eyes of adolescents, who navigate the labyrinth of life beneath the rooftops, in bustling markets, and through the flickering channels of VHS tapes.

Just as "Stranger Things" encapsulates the heart of the American 1980s, this series immerses us in the essence of the Russian 90s—a time that was equally a cornucopia of newfound freedoms and chaotic disorder. Each facet of the show, from its painstakingly crafted sets to its evocative soundtrack and intricate plotlines, reflects this delicate balance.

Plot: Adventures of Teens in a Criminal Landscape

At the heart of the narrative, we find four teenagers: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Dubbed "The Brotherhood of the Roof", this group is drawn into conflicts that vividly capture the zeitgeist of the era. On one side, they contend with local thugs; on the other, they're embroiled in the rivalry between two criminal factions: Afghan war veterans and the Caucasian mafia. This storyline offers a lens through which to view the atmosphere of the 90s, reflecting the anxieties and hopes of adolescents untouched by the cynicism often linked to adulthood.

Particularly compelling is the way these teenagers wrestle not just with external threats but also their own burgeoning emotions and relationships with their parents. For instance, Sanka's mother manages a household while grappling with echoes of a difficult marriage, while his grandfather propagates a culture of strength, and his father, a meek writer, seems ill-equipped to navigate the era's challenges.

Drawing Inspiration from the Past

The comparisons to "Stranger Things" are hard to miss: a group of friends standing firm against adversity, immersing viewers in a distinct time and place. However, unlike the fantastical elements of its American counterpart, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" presents very real threats known to the post-Soviet audience. While there are no monsters from alternate dimensions lurking in the shadows, there are "wolves" and "bulls"—the criminals who embody the romanticized yet grim essence of that time.

Furthermore, the visual storytelling deserves accolades. Flashbacks are stylishly depicted as rewinds of videotapes, and action scenes are shot in long, continuous takes, heightening the immersive experience. One particularly striking scene involving a market riot resonates powerfully, echoing a similarly chaotic moment from the film "The Bull".

The Culture of the 90s in Intricate Details

The show's sets and props meticulously conjure the aesthetic of the 90s:

• Marketplaces: Featuring boiled jeans, baseball caps bearing the inscription "USA California".
• Pop Culture: Walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and snippets from the film "Kickboxer".
• Gaming: The Dendy console, where the characters passionately dive into "Street Fighter", highlights the popularity of pirated copies of Western games.

In terms of the musical score, the series harmoniously fuses hits representative of the era (Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) with modern reimagined covers, such as Sirotkin's rendition of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, while the series showcases strong female characters such as Zhenya, Sanka's mother, and Alika's girlfriend, it still reflects the patriarchal culture of the time. Women are often depicted as battling for their rightful place, frequently coming into conflict with men who cling to the norms of the "wild 90s". Nevertheless, these female portrayals enrich the narrative, emphasizing that the transformative tide of that era affected everyone, demonstrating the complex interplay of gender roles during a period of extreme societal change.

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Matters

This series skillfully recreates the atmosphere of the 90s, while simultaneously reinterpreting those experiences through the lens of today's realities. It stands as both an entertaining show and a cultural examination, illuminating how a generation of millennials raised in chaos forged their values.

Additionally, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" fosters a dialogue between the past and the present, akin to the best of artistic endeavors, uniting audiences across generational divides. The series invites viewers not just to reminisce but to understand and reflect on the enduring impact of the 90s on contemporary life.