Exploring the Nostalgia of '90s Russia in TV Series

How "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Reflects the '90s and Our "Stranger Things"

In today's television landscape, there's a noticeable trend of tapping into nostalgic themes from the past, allowing for series that not only evoke feelings of longing but also offer a fresh perspective on bygone eras. One such series, crafted by Ilya Aksenov, is "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" which serves as a vibrant lens through which we revisit the tumultuous '90s in Russia, drawing compelling parallels with the American phenomenon "Stranger Things." This article delves into the ways in which this project, filtered through a romanticized '90s lens, narrates the coming-of-age stories of a generation shaped amidst the ruins of the USSR.

Where Does Nostalgia Stem From?

For millennials, the '90s often conjure images of a frenetic transition from the stability of the Soviet era to the chaotic whirlwinds of burgeoning capitalism. It was a decade marked not only by economic uncertainty but also by a remarkable cultural renaissance. The charm of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to revisit this period from the youthful perspective of teenagers navigating life in an urban jungle of rooftops, bustling markets, and VHS tapes.

Where "Stranger Things" immerses viewers in the vibrant American '80s, this series casts its gaze inward, unveiling the unique atmosphere of Russia's own '90s—a time rife with both newfound freedoms and rampant disorder. This delicate balance permeates every facet of the show: from the intricate set designs and the pulsating soundtrack to the compelling narrative arcs.

Plot: Teenagers Thriving Amid Crime and Chaos

At the heart of the narrative lies a quartet of teenagers: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. This motley crew, dubbed "The Brotherhood of the Rooftop," navigates a landscape fraught with danger and conflict that mirrors the spirit of their times. On one hand, they find themselves squaring off against local bullies; on the other, they unwittingly get embroiled in a fierce rivalry between two notorious criminal factions: the Afghan war veterans and the Caucasian mafia. Through their youthful escapades, the series sheds light on life in the '90s, all while steering clear of adult cynicism.

What makes this exploration especially poignant is how, amid external threats, the teenagers grapple with their own emotions and familial relationships. For instance, Sanya's mother juggles the burdens of household management with the haunting memories of a troubled marriage, while his grandfather espouses the cult of strength. Meanwhile, his father, a feeble writer, appears ill-equipped to face the challenges that the era presents.

Drawing Inspiration from the Past

The parallels with "Stranger Things" are fairly evident: a group of friends banding together against formidable foes, all enveloped in the distinct atmosphere of a particular era. However, instead of venturing into the realm of the fantastical, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" offers viewers very real and relatable threats, resonating deeply with a post-Soviet audience. In lieu of monsters from alternate dimensions, we encounter "wolves" and "bulls"—the bandits whose presence starkly illustrates the criminal allure of the age.

The visual storytelling techniques in this series are particularly noteworthy. Flashbacks are presented as though they are being rewound on a VHS, while scenes of conflict are captured using lengthy, uninterrupted shots, enhancing the viewer’s sense of immersion. A standout moment includes a chaotic market raid that echoes a similar scene from the film "Bull."

Capturing '90s Culture:

The set designs and props in the series artfully encapsulate the era's aesthetic:

• Flea Markets: The characters sport boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California."
• Pop Culture: The walls of the protagonists' rooms are festooned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and stills from the film "Kickboxer."
• Dendy Gaming Console: A nostalgic nod to the 90's gaming scene, where characters engage in a round of "Street Fighter," highlighting the era's predilection for pirated Western media.

The soundtrack seamlessly blends hits from that dynamic decade (such as Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) with modern reinterpretations, like Sirotkin's cover of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender Roles and Toxic Masculinity

Notably, while the series features strong female characters including Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Alika's girlfriend, it nonetheless serves as a mirror reflecting a patriarchal culture. Women are often compelled to fight for their space in a world still governed by the archaic codes of the "wild '90s." Yet, the presence of these female characters imbues the story with depth, underscoring that the era of change affected everyone.

The Significance of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"

This series transcends mere entertainment; it adeptly reconstructs the ambiance of the '90s while reinterpreting it through the lens of contemporary society. It’s a multifaceted show that functions as both an engaging piece of entertainment and a cultural examination of how a generation of millennials, raised in a time of turmoil, forged their values.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" initiates a dialogue between the past and the present, artfully bridging gaps that, like the best narratives, unite viewers across differing generations.