Exploring 90s Nostalgia Through "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"

Modern television has a knack for diving into the past, skillfully crafting series that invoke nostalgia while simultaneously providing a fresh perspective on bygone eras. A prime example of this approach is Ilya Aksenov's series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", which not only evokes memories of the American hit "Stranger Things" but does so through the lens of Russian reality. In this exploration, we will dissect how the show encapsulates the essence of a generation built amid the rubble of the USSR, all while tinged with the wistfulness of the 90s.

What Fuels Nostalgia?

For millennials, the 1990s signify a tumultuous transition from the steadiness of Soviet life to the frenetic chaos of unbridled capitalism. This era was characterized not only by economic instability but also by a remarkable cultural renaissance. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to present this transformative period through the eyes of teenagers maneuvering through rooftops, bustling markets, and the cherished VHS tapes of their time.

While "Stranger Things" is steeped in the American 80s, its Russian counterpart immerses viewers in the domestic turmoil of the 90s, a time defined by both newfound freedoms and the pandemonium that accompanied them. This delicate balance is palpable in every facet of the series — from its vibrant set designs and engaging musical score to its intricately woven plotlines.

The Plot: Teen Adventures in a Criminal Underworld

At the heart of the narrative lies a quartet of teenagers: Sanyka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya, who form a band of brothers known as the "Roof Brotherhood". Their escapades plunge them into conflicts that encapsulate the zeitgeist of the era. They grapple not just with local thugs, but also become embroiled in the struggle between two criminal factions: the Afghan war veterans and the mafia from the Caucasus. This storyline provides a unique avenue to perceive the 90s atmosphere through the prism of youthful emotions, untainted by adult cynicism.

Intriguingly, the adolescents simultaneously wrestle with internal dilemmas, navigating their feelings and familial relationships. Take Sanyka's mother, who juggles managing the household while haunted by memories of a painful marriage; or his weaker-willed father, a writer struggling to confront the era's challenges, while Sanyka’s grandfather embodies a cult of strength.

Inspiration from the Past

The parallels drawn with "Stranger Things" are unmistakable: a tight-knit group of friends facing formidable dangers, each immersing the audience deeper into a certain time period. However, in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", there are no creatures from other realms; instead, we encounter very tangible threats, ones that resonate with a post-Soviet audience. The villains here are not fantastical but quite realistic — the "wolves" and "bulls" symbolize the criminal underbelly that defined that era.

The visual artistry of the series is equally commendable. Flashbacks are creatively styled as if viewers are fast-forwarding a videotape, while the conflict scenes unfold with elongated, continuous shots that amplify the immersive experience. A particularly memorable scene features the tumultuous raid on a marketplace, echoing a similar moment in the film "Bull".

The Culture of the 90s Captured in Detail

The sets and props of the series meticulously evoke the aesthetic of the time:

• Flea Markets: displaying an array of goods from boiled jeans to baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California".
• Pop Culture: walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and snapshots from the movie "Kickboxer".
• Gaming: the Dendy console, where characters engage in "Street Fighter," signifying the popularity of pirated Western products.

The soundtrack beautifully amalgamates hits from that era (like Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway) with contemporary reinterpretations (for instance, Sirotkin’s cover of "Breath" by Nautilus Pompilius).

Gender Dynamics and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, despite the presence of strong female characters such as Zhenya, Sanyka's mother, and Alika's girlfriend, the narrative remains a reflection of patriarchal culture. Women find themselves battling for their place in a world still governed by the archaic tenets of the "wild 90s." Nonetheless, these female representations add layers to the narrative, underscoring that the winds of change impacted everyone during this transformative time.

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Matters

This series not only masterfully recreates the vibes of the 90s but also reframes them through a contemporary lens. Simultaneously entertaining and culturally insightful, it reveals how the chaos of the era shaped the values of the millennial generation.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" functions as a dialogue between past and present, uniting viewers across generations, much like the most compelling works merit.