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

Modern television often casts nostalgic glances at the past, crafting series that not only evoke sentimentality but also spur a reassessment of previous eras. The show by Ilya Aksonov, titled "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", stands as a vibrant example of this trend, drawing comparisons with the American hit "Stranger Things", yet firmly rooted in the Russian experience. In this article, we will explore how the series, filtered through the lens of 90s romanticism, narrates the emergence of a generation formed from the debris of the Soviet Union.

Where Does Nostalgia Come From?

For millennials, the 1990s evoke memories of a chaotic transition from Soviet stability to a rampant capitalism. It was a time marked not only by economic tumult but also by a breathtaking cultural renaissance. The charm of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its unique perspective, allowing viewers to revisit this transformative period through the eyes of teenagers navigating the spaces between rooftop hangouts, bustling markets, and worn-out VHS tapes.

While "Stranger Things" immerses us in the American 80s, this series captures the essence of the domestic 90s, a decade characterized by both the exhilaration of newfound liberty and the pandemonium that accompanied it. This delicate balance is palpable in every facet of the show—from its richly detailed set designs to its carefully curated soundtrack and its engaging storylines.

The Plot: Adventures of Teens in a Criminal Reality

At the heart of this narrative are four young friends: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Known as the "Brotherhood of the Rooftop", their circle finds itself embroiled in conflicts that mirror the atmosphere of the time. On one hand, they grapple with local bullies; on the other, they become entangled in the power struggles between two criminal factions: veterans of the Afghan War and the rising Caucasian mafia. This storyline offers a glimpse into the 90s, seen through the lens of youthful experiences, untainted by the cynicism of adulthood.

What’s particularly captivating is how these adolescents grapple with their internal conflicts alongside the external struggles they face. Take Sanya’s mother, who must manage her household while confronting the ghosts of a tumultuous marriage. Meanwhile, Sanya’s grandfather promotes a cult of strength, and his father—a timid writer—struggles to confront the challenges of their era.

Inspiration from the Past

The parallels with "Stranger Things" are striking; both feature groups of friends battling against formidable foes, plunging the audience into a distinctly nostalgic atmosphere. However, while the former leans on the fantastical, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" keeps its threats grounded in reality, ones that resonate with a post-Soviet audience. Instead of monsters from alternate dimensions, viewers encounter ‘wolves’ and ‘bulls’—the gangsters whose images encapsulate the criminal romance of that tumultuous time.

The visual aesthetics of the show also warrant attention. Flashbacks are artistically styled to mimic the rewinding of a videotape, and sequences of confrontation flow with unbroken shots, heightening the immersion. One particularly memorable scene involves the smashing of a market, echoing a similar moment in the film "Bull."

The Culture of the 90s in Detail

The set design and props within the series expertly encapsulate the atmosphere of the era:

• Flea Markets: Bursting with boiled jeans and caps emblazoned with "USA California" slogans.
• Pop Culture: The walls of the characters’ rooms adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and scenes from Kickboxer.
• Gaming Consoles: The Dendy system, where characters engage in passionate matches of "Street Fighter," highlighting the boom of pirated copies of Western products.

Musically, the show fuses iconic tracks from that period (like those from Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway) with innovative modern covers, including Sorotkin's rendition of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, while the series features strong female characters such as Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Alika's girlfriend, it nevertheless mirrors the patriarchal culture of the time. Women must fiercely navigate their place in this landscape, often clashing with men still adhering to the codes of the "wild 90s." Nevertheless, these female portrayals imbue depth into the narrative, serving as a reminder that the era of change impacted everyone.

Why is "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Important?

This series does more than merely recreate the ambiance of the 90s; it reexamines that decade through the lens of today's perspectives. It serves as both an engaging show and a cultural study, illustrating how the millennial generation, shaped in times of chaos, cultivated its own set of values.

Furthermore, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" initiates a dialogue between past and present, akin to the finest works that unite audiences across generational divides.