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

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

In the realm of modern television, the past often casts a reflective allure, giving rise to series that not only evoke nostalgia but also help us reinterpret bygone eras. The show "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" by Ilya Aksenov stands as a vivid illustration of such an approach. Drawing parallels with the American phenomenon "Stranger Things," it infuses a distinctly Russian flavor, navigating the complex realities of its time. This article delves into how the series expresses the essence of a generation molded by the remnants of the Soviet Union through the lens of the 1990s.

The Roots of Nostalgia

For Millennials, the 1990s represent a tumultuous transition from Soviet stability to a wild capitalist frenzy. It was a time characterized not only by economic uncertainty but also by an unparalleled cultural renaissance. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to unveil this vibrant chapter through the eyes of teenagers, who navigate their lives amidst rooftops, bustling markets, and the flickering images of VHS tapes.

If in "Stranger Things" we immerse ourselves in the essence of the American 1980s, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transports viewers to the domestic 1990s—a period rife with liberation and chaos. This delicate balance permeates every aspect of the series, from its authentic set designs to the carefully curated musical backdrop, all the way down to its gripping plot developments.

The Plot: Adventures of Teenagers in a Criminal Reality

At the heart of the narrative lies a quartet of teenagers: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. This band of misfits, dubbed the "Brotherhood of the Roof," finds themselves embroiled in conflicts that embody the spirit of their times. They grapple with rival local toughs while simultaneously navigating a treacherous landscape dominated by two criminal factions—the veterans of Afghanistan and the Caucasian mafia. Herein, the viewer gains insight into the 90s atmosphere through the lens of youthful struggles, untarnished by adult cynicism.

One fascinating aspect to observe is how these adolescents navigate their internal conflicts alongside external threats. For instance, Sanka's mother juggles household responsibilities while wrestling with memories of a tumultuous marriage. Her grandfather promotes a mantra of strength, while Sanka's father, a timid writer, proves ill-equipped to tackle the challenges posed by their turbulent era.

Inspiration Drawn from the Past

The comparisons with "Stranger Things" are unmistakable: a group of friends facing down dangers, submerging the audience in a quintessentially specific time. However, unlike the fantastical elements present in American narratives, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" delivers starkly real threats familiar to a post-Soviet audience. Here, the "monsters" are not beings from alternate realities but rather the "wolves" and "bulls"—thugs whose images convey a gritty, romanticized depiction of that volatile epoch.

The visual storytelling in the series is commendable as well. Flashbacks are rendered through the aesthetic of rewinding a videotape, while conflict scenes are filmed in extended continuous takes, immersing the viewer into the fray. A particularly unforgettable scene showcasing a market raid recalls a similar moment captured in the film "Bull."

90s Culture in Rich Detail

The meticulous attention to detail in the series’ sets and props exquisitely encapsulates the aesthetics of the era:

• Flea Markets: Items such as boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California."
• Pop Culture: Posters of Sylvester Stallone and clips from the "Kickboxer" movie adorn the characters’ walls, serving as visual time capsules.
• Gaming Culture: The Dendy console becomes a nostalgic touchstone, where characters engage in "Street Fighter"—a nod to the popularity of bootleg Western merchandise.

The soundtrack resonates harmoniously with the period, blending hits of the time such as Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway, alongside modern reinterpretive covers like Sirotkin's take on "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Compellingly, despite the presence of empowered female characters like Zhenya, Sanka's mother, and Alika's girlfriend, the show still reflects the patriarchal culture of its setting. Women must fight to carve out their places in a world often dictated by the rules of the "wild 90s." Nevertheless, the portrayal of female characters adds layers of depth to the narrative, reminding us that this era of change affected everyone.

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Matters

This series has an exceptional knack for not only recreating the vibrancy of the 90s but also reexamining those times through the lens of contemporary perspectives. It is at once an entertaining spectacle and a cultural study, illustrating how Millennials, raised in chaos, have forged their values.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a bridge connecting past and present, uniting viewers across generations, much like the finest works of art that resonate universally.