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

Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey into the Teen Spirit of the 90s

The series by Ilya Aksenov, titled "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" recently launched on the streaming platform Premier, offers much more than just a coming-of-age narrative set in the 1990s. It's an exploration of a distinctive epoch in Russia, beautifully portrayed through the experiences of adolescents in a quaint provincial town. This intriguing project weaves together nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, crafting a rich and textured depiction of the era marked by the initial stages of capitalism.

Adolescent Life Amidst Social Change

Set against the backdrop of 1993 in the Tula region, the story unfolds with a group of young characters: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and the fiery-haired Zhenya. Their days are filled with adventures behind garages, on rooftops of towering buildings, and dreams of what the future may hold, all while grappling with the typical tribulations of youth. Hormonal upheavals, abandoned musical aspirations, and tender first loves – all these elements blend seamlessly with the harsher realities of their family lives and communities.

Sanka's family stands as a quintessential example of how different generations navigated the turbulent shifts of the time. His mother engages in commerce at the local market selling Turkish linens, while his father, a university lecturer, finds himself lost in the whirlwind of social transformation. A standout character is Uncle Alik, a war veteran battling the demons of post-traumatic stress syndrome. His nighttime struggles to avoid reckless decisions and his confinement to a radiator by handcuffs serve as symbolic metaphors for fighting inner demons that seem to haunt an entire nation.

From Puberty to the Nation's Growing Pains

One of the striking attributes of the series is the parallel between the growth of its characters and the "coming of age" of Russia itself. The 1990s, characterized by the initial accumulation of capital, are not depicted through the typical lens of gangster bravado or glitzy glamour; rather, the focus rests on dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and the obliviousness of youth.

This perspective sets Aksenov’s project apart from other cinematic works about the 90s, such as Kantemir Balagov's "Tightness" or Boris Akopov's "Bull." There is neither excessive dramatization nor attempts to romanticize those years. Instead, the series presents a candid and refreshing outlook, reminding viewers that even amid social catastrophes, the essence of youth remains intact.

Cinematic Style and Actor Performances

Ilya Aksenov, who has previously ventured into the realm of guerrilla cinema and crafted independent projects, continues to hone his unique artistic style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" The narrative heavily emphasizes the acting prowess and dynamics between characters rather than relying on visual spectacle. Nonetheless, the cinematography by Alexey Filippov deserves special mention; the wide-format shots capturing the raw beauty of provincial nature transform rural Russia into a kind of Wild West.

Among the notable acting discoveries is Stepan Devonin, who portrays Sanka's father. His character is an intelligent teacher, secretly penning a novel while simultaneously compelled to run a market stall with his wife, evoking genuine empathy and admiration. Yuri Borisov, as Uncle Alik, and Nikita Pavlenko also deliver profound performances, adding depth to their roles.

The Teenage Years of Violence and Dreams

At first glance, the title of the series conveys a lightheartedness that is misleading. "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" embodies an adolescent epoch where terror and discovery intertwine. The first episode introduces a pervasive symbol of the time – a black BMW, representing violence and the criminal underworld. Yet, the series strikes a careful balance between dark comedy, drama, and the poignant journey into adulthood, enabling the audience to interpret its narrative threads independently.

Final Thoughts

"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" stands out as more than just another television series reflecting on the 90s. It is a nuanced and profound work, revealing the country during monumental transformations through the lens of its youth. By intermingling tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov creates an engaging piece that not only entertains and resonates but also compels reflection on the intrinsic pains and revelations associated with both personal and societal growth.