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

Modern television frequently dips into the past, crafting series that not only evoke nostalgia but also reshape our understanding of bygone eras. Ilya Aksenov's series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a vivid example of this trend, conjuring associations with the American sensation "Stranger Things," while firmly rooting its narrative in Russian reality. In this piece, we will explore how the show, through the lens of 90s sentimentality, narrates the story of a generation formed in the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse.

The Roots of Nostalgia

For millennials, the 1990s congeal into a turbulent phase of transition, moving from the rigid structure of Soviet stability into the unpredictable realm of wild capitalism. This decade wasn't merely marked by economic uncertainty; it blossomed with an incredible cultural renaissance. The charm of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to present this era through the eyes of teenagers navigating life between rooftops, bustling markets, and VHS tapes.

While "Stranger Things" delves into the heart of America’s 1980s, this show transports us to the distinctive landscape of the 1990s in Russia, a time characterized by both newfound freedoms and chaotic upheaval. This delicate balance permeates every facet of the series—from its vibrant set designs to the evocative soundtrack and intricate plotlines.

Plot: Teen Adventures in a Gritty Reality

At the heart of the series lies a quartet of adolescents: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Their group, dubbed the "Brotherhood of the Roof," becomes embroiled in conflicts that encapsulate the spirit of the times. On one hand, there are scrapes with local bullies; on the other, they become entangled in a rivalry between two notorious criminal factions: Afghan veterans and the Caucasian mafia. This narrative thread offers a glimpse into the 90s atmosphere, told through the lens of youthful experiences, untainted by adult cynicism.

What is particularly compelling is how the teenagers, amidst external struggles, grapple with their own emotions and parent-child dynamics. For instance, Sanka’s mother navigates household responsibilities while wrestling with haunting memories of a tumultuous marriage; her grandfather champions a cult of strength; and Sanka’s father is portrayed as a feckless writer, unable to meet the challenges posed by the era.

Inspirations from the Past

The parallels drawn with "Stranger Things" are unmistakable: a band of friends facing peril, pulling viewers into a specific time's atmosphere. However, rather than venturing into the realm of fantasy, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" presents utterly real threats familiar to a post-Soviet audience. There are no monsters lurking from alternate dimensions; instead, there are "wolves" and "bulls"—the gangsters who personify the criminal allure of that epoch.

The visual elements of the series also deserve commendation. Flashbacks are cleverly styled as the jerky rewind of videotape, while conflict scenes are captured in long, continuous takes that enhance the immersion. One particularly memorable scene involves the market's devastation, reminiscent of a similar moment in the film "The Bull."

The Culture of the 90s in Rich Detail

The set designs and props meticulously convey the essence of the decade:

• Flea Markets: Featuring boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California."
• Pop Culture: Posters of Sylvester Stallone and scenes from the movie "Kickboxer" adorn the walls of the characters’ homes.
• Gaming Consoles: The Dendy console, where the kids play "Street Fighter," underscores the popularity of pirated Western media products.

The soundtrack masterfully blends epoch-defining hits (featuring artists like Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway) with modern reinterpretations, illustrated by Sirotkin’s cover of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Notably, although strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanka’s mother, and Alik’s girlfriend exist, the series remains a mirror to patriarchal culture. Women battle for their rightful place in a world often dominated by men adhering to the conventions of the turbulent 90s. Nonetheless, the portrayals of these female roles add depth to the storytelling, reminding us that this era of change impacted everyone.

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Matters

This series excels not only in recreating the ambiance of the 90s but also in reframing it through contemporary lenses. It unfolds as both an engaging show and a cultural examination, depicting how millennials—who grew up in the chaos—formulated their values.

Furthermore, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" serves as a dialogue between past and present that, akin to the finest works of literature, bridges generations of viewers.