Exploring the Depths of Youth in 1990s Russia
The Series "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey Through the Teenage Era of the '90s
The streaming service Premier has recently unveiled Ilya Aksenov’s series "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" which is more than just a tale of adolescence set during the transformative 1990s in Russia. It serves as a vivid exploration of a unique era, observed through the lens of teenagers finding their way in a provincial town. This project intricately weaves nostalgia, tragedy, and humor into a rich tapestry that represents the formative years of capitalism's initial gains in the country.
Teenage Life Amidst Social Change
Set against the backdrop of 1993 in the Tula region, the narrative follows a group of school friends: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and the fiery-haired Zhenya. They navigate their days hanging around garages, climbing atop apartment blocks, and formulating dreams about the future while simultaneously facing typical teenage challenges.
The throes of adolescence, abandoned music dreams, and budding romances intertwine with the harsh realities of their families and environments.
Take Sanka’s family, for example—an archetype for how different generations coped with change. His mother finds her footing selling Turkish linens at the market, while his father, a college instructor, struggles to maintain relevancy amidst swirling social upheaval. Another compelling figure is Uncle Alik, a Afghanistan war veteran grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder. His nightly battles to resist reckless behavior, often illustrated with gripping imagery such as handcuffs affixed to a radiator, serve as a profound metaphor for the internal struggles plaguing not just him but the entire nation.
From Puberty to the Nation's Coming of Age
One remarkable aspect of this series is the parallel it draws between the characters' maturation and the broader 'coming-of-age' of Russia itself. Rather than illustrating the '90s through the typical lens of gangsters or glamour, the series humanizes the period through the portrayal of dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and forgetful youth.
Such a portrayal sets Aksenov’s work apart from other productions about the '90s, like Kantemir Balagov's "Tightness" or Boris Akopov's "Bull." The series shies away from melodramatic excess and does not attempt to idolize those tumultuous years. Instead, it offers an honest and refreshing perspective, showcasing that even amidst chaos, adolescence retains its essence.
Cinematic Style and Acting Performances
Aksenov, who previously delved into the realm of guerrilla cinema and independent projects, continues to refine his distinct cinematic approach in "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Focusing on the artistry of performance and character dynamics rather than flashy visuals, Aksenov cleverly directs the viewer’s attention to storytelling. However, it would be remiss not to acknowledge Alexey Filippov's cinematography; with wide-format shots that capture the wild beauty of provincial life, he constructs a visual metaphor akin to the Wild West within the depths of Russian wilderness.
Among the standout performances, Stepan Devonin shines as Sanka’s father, a cultured educator penning a novel in seclusion while simultaneously struggling to sell goods alongside his wife at the market. This duality in his character evokes genuine empathy and admiration. Yuri Borisov, portraying Uncle Alik, and Nikita Pavlenko also deliver nuanced and layered performances that enrich the overall narrative.
A Teenage Era of Violence and Dreams
The title of the series may seem deceptively lighthearted. "World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" encapsulates a teenage epoch where fear and revelations coexist harmoniously. Early on, the series introduces an emblematic vehicle—the black BMW—symbolizing both violence and the criminal underbelly of the time. Nevertheless, the show artfully strikes a balance between dark comedy, drama, and the quintessential coming-of-age story, inviting viewers to interpret its narratives in their own unique ways.
Concluding Thoughts
"World! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transcends being merely another series about the '90s. It is a subtle, intricate work that, through its portrayal of adolescents, reflects a nation in the throes of profound transformation. By intertwining tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov crafts a piece that entertains, deeply resonates, and provokes contemplation on how both personal and societal growth are invariably accompanied by pain and discovery.