Exploring 90s Teen Culture in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"
The captivating series by Ilya Aksenov, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", recently unveiled on the streaming platform Premier, transcends the mere narrative of teenage coming-of-age in the 1990s. Instead, it offers a rich tapestry woven with nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, showcasing a distinct epoch in Russia through the lives of teenagers residing in a small provincial town. This project paints a profound and intricate portrait of an era characterized by initial capital accumulation and societal upheavals.
Adolescence Amidst Social Change
Set in 1993 within the Tula region, the series introduces us to a group of high school friends: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and the fiery-haired Zhenya. Their days are spent hiding behind garages, scaling multi-story rooftops, and dreaming of better futures while wrestling with quintessential teenage dilemmas. The throes of adolescent emotions, abandoned musical aspirations, and first loves intertwine with the gritty realities of their families and environments.
Sanka's family embodies the struggles of various generations confronted with upheaval. His mother, keen on survival, sells Turkish fabrics at the local market, while his father, a university teacher, feels adrift amid the swirling societal transformations. Equally compelling is Uncle Alik, a war veteran grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder. His desperate attempts to control reckless impulses—illustrated through scenes where he cuffs himself to a radiator—serve as a metaphor for the internal battles that seem to haunt an entire nation.
From Personal Puberty to a Nation's Growing Pains
One of the standout features of this series lies in its striking parallel between the maturation of its characters and the 'coming of age' of Russia itself. The 1990s, often defined by initial capital accumulation, are not represented through the lens of typical mobsters or high society but portrayed instead through dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and the forgetfulness of youth.
This approach sets Aksenov’s work apart from other cinematic interpretations of the 90s, such as Kantemir Balagov’s "Closeness" or Boris Akopov’s "Bull". There’s a refreshing absence of melodrama or romanticized portrayals of the decade. Instead, the series offers an authentic perspective that reminds viewers that even during societal disasters, the essence of youth transcends difficult circumstances.
Cinematic Style and Actor Performances
Ilya Aksenov, who previously explored guerrilla cinema and crafted independent projects, continues to hone his unique artistic style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" This time, he emphasizes the performances and chemistry among the actors over flashy visual effects. However, the cinematography by Alexey Filippov warrants special recognition; the sweeping frames capturing the rugged beauty of rural Russia evoke a sense reminiscent of the Wild West.
Noteworthy performances include Stepan Devonin as Sanka's father—a cultured professor whose secret passion for writing lies dormant beneath the hardships of struggling to make a living alongside his wife at the market. His portrayal elicits both empathy and respect. Yuri Borisov, cast as Uncle Alik, alongside Nikita Pavlenko, demonstrate a commendable depth of character development.
Teenage Era of Violence and Dreams
The series title is deceptively lighthearted. "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" encapsulates the teenage experience where fear and discovery walk hand in hand. Right from the inaugural episode, a black BMW emerges as a symbol of the era, representing the violence and criminal undertones inherent in society. Nevertheless, the series artfully balances dark comedy, drama, and the coming-of-age narrative, inviting viewers to interpret the unfolding plot lines on their own terms.
Final Thought
"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transcends being merely another depiction of the 90s. It is a nuanced and profound work that, through the lens of its adolescent characters, reveals the country during one of its most turbulent transformations. By intertwining tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov delivers a piece that entertains, evokes emotion, and prompts contemplation about the fact that whether personal or societal, the journey of growing up is invariably accompanied by pain and the thrill of discovery.