Exploring the 90s Through 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
The Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey Into the Adolescent Era of the '90s
The freshly unveiled series by Ilya Aksenov, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", available on the streaming platform Premier, offers more than a mere coming-of-age story set in the 1990s. This narrative unfolds as a voyage through a unique chapter of Russian history, portrayed vividly through the lens of teenagers residing in a small provincial town. The show harmoniously weaves together nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, creating a rich, layered depiction of an era marked by the initial phases of capital accumulation.
Teen Life Amidst Social Changes
Set against the backdrop of the year 1993 in the Tula region, the storyline revolves around a group of school friends: Sanyka, Vovka, Ilya, and the spirited redhead, Zhenya. Their days are spent in the shadows of garages and on the rooftops of apartment blocks, dreaming about the future while grappling with all-too-familiar teenage dilemmas. Hormonal surges, abandoned musical dreams, and the tender pangs of young love intermingle with the harsh realities shaped by their families and the environment around them.
Sanyka’s family serves as a classic illustration of how diverse generations navigate through the turbulence of change. His mother hawks Turkish textiles at the market, while his father, an academic, finds himself adrift in the storm of societal shifts. Equally poignant is the character of Uncle Alik, a veteran of the Afghan conflict, who battles with post-traumatic stress disorder. His desperate late-night struggles to keep his impulses in check, often culminating in alarming scenes with handcuffs attached to radiators, serve as a symbolic metaphor for combating the internal demons that seem to plague the nation at large.
From Puberty to National Maturation
One of the striking elements of the series lies in the parallel drawn between the maturation of the characters and the collective growth of Russia itself. The tumultuous 1990s, a time characterized by the initial stages of capitalistic development, are depicted not through the lens of stereotypical gangsters or glamorous lifestyles, but rather through dusty courtyards, deserted factories, and the seemingly oblivious detachment of adolescents.
This approach distinguishes Aksenov's work from other cinematic endeavors focused on the '90s, such as Kantemir Balagov's "Tightness" or Boris Akopov's "Bull". There is no excessive dramatization or glorification of those years here. Instead, the series offers an honest and refreshing perspective, reminding us that even during social catastrophes, adolescents remain at their core—just teenagers.
Cinematic Style and Acting
Ilya Aksenov, who previously explored the realm of guerrilla cinema and crafted independent projects, continues to evolve his unique style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!". He emphasizes acting and character dynamics over visual flourishes. However, the cinematography by Alexey Filippov deserves special mention; the expansive frames infused with elements of raw provincial nature transform Russia’s rural scenery into a visage reminiscent of the Wild West.
Among the remarkable performances is Stepan Devoinin as Sanyka's father. His character, an intellectual educator who clandestinely pens a novel while simultaneously selling wares at the market with his wife, evokes genuine empathy and respect. Yuri Borisov shines as Uncle Alik, and Nikita Pavlenko delivers a multi-dimensional portrayal, showcasing the profound depth of their characters.
Teenage Years of Violence and Dreams
The title of the series may seem whimsically lighthearted, yet "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" delves into a teenage era where fear and discovery intertwine seamlessly. Right in the first episode, a potent symbol of the times—a black BMW—enters the scene, representing the violence and criminal aspects lurking in the shadows. Despite this, the series adeptly balances elements of dark comedy, drama, and a coming-of-age narrative, allowing viewers the freedom to interpret the various plot lines.
Final Thoughts
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transcends being merely another tale from the '90s. It stands as a nuanced and profound piece of art, illustrating the landscape of Russia through the eyes of its youth amidst one of the nation's most transformative periods. By merging tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov crafts a narrative that entertains and moves the viewer, prompting a reflection on how maturation—whether personal or societal—is invariably laced with pain and revelations.