Exploring the 90s Teen Spirit in Russia's New Series
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Dive into the Teen Spirit of the 90s
The series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" crafted by the talented Ilya Aksenov, and recently made available on the streaming platform Premier, is much more than a mere tale of adolescence set in the vibrant 1990s. This production serves as a time capsule, transporting viewers to a distinctive era in Russia, encapsulated through the lives of teenagers in a small provincial town. The project beautifully interweaves nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, creating a rich and layered panorama of a time marked by the initial surge of capitalism.
Youthful Lives Amidst Social Upheaval
Set against the backdrop of 1993 in Tula Oblast, the series follows the lives of schoolmates Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and the spirited redhead, Zhenya. Their days are spent loitering behind garages, scaling rooftops, and dreaming of what lies ahead while navigating the turbulent waters of teenage angst. Hormonal eruptions, abandoned musical dreams, and first crushes collide with the stark reality of their home lives and surroundings.
Sanya's family is a quintessential representation of the various ways different generations grapple with change. His mother engages in trade at the local market selling Turkish linens, while his father, an academic, flounders in the whirlwind of societal transformation. Adding another layer to this tapestry is Uncle Alik, a war veteran bearing the heavy burden of post-traumatic stress. His nighttime struggles to resist impulsive behavior, punctuated by poignant scenes of being handcuffed to a radiator, serve as a metaphor for a broader national battle with inner demons that seem to haunt the country.
From Teenage Turmoil to National Maturation
One striking element of the series is the intentional parallelism between the characters’ maturation and that of Russia itself. The embattled 1990s, characterized as an era of preliminary capital accumulation, is portrayed not through customary images of gangsters or glamour, but rather through dust-laden courtyards, abandoned factories, and the naïvete of youth.
This approach markedly differentiates Aksenov's project from other cinematic explorations of the 90s, such as Kantemir Balagov's "Tightness" or Boris Akopov's "Bull." There’s no excessive dramatization nor an attempt to romanticize those tumultuous years. Instead, we are gifted an honest, fresh perspective that reminds us that irrespective of societal catastrophes, the essence of adolescence persists unwaveringly.
Cinematic Aesthetics and Performative Depth
Ilya Aksenov, who has previously dabbled in guerrilla cinema and independent projects, pushes forth his distinctive style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" With a pronounced focus on character performance and dynamics rather than visual dazzle, he allows the narrative to unfurl naturally. Yet, the cinematography led by Alexey Filippov deserves particular acknowledgment—his expansive shots, infused with a hint of the raw beauty of provincial landscapes, fashion a unique portrayal of the Russian hinterlands reminiscent of the Wild West.
Among the shining talents in the ensemble is Stepan Devoin, cast as Sanya's father, an intellectual professor who writes in secret. Despite being compelled to sell at the market alongside his wife, his character evokes both empathy and respect. Yuri Borisov’s portrayal of Uncle Alik and Nikita Pavlenko also exhibit deep character development, showcasing their dedication to bringing authenticity to their roles.
Teenage Years of Violence and Aspirations
The series title may seem light-hearted, but "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" delves deeper into a tumultuous teenage era where fear and discovery walk hand in hand. In the very first episode, a black BMW stands as a stark symbol of the violence and criminality permeating the landscape. Nevertheless, the series skillfully balances elements of dark comedy, drama, and coming-of-age narrative, enabling viewers to interpret the intertwining plotlines as they see fit.
Final Thoughts
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transcends being merely another series set in the 90s; it represents a nuanced work that vividly captures the nation during one of its most transformative periods through the lens of youth. By eloquently blending tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov crafts a piece that captivates, provokes thought, and reminds us that the process of growing up—be it personal or societal—is invariably marked by pain and enlightenment.