Exploring 90s Nostalgia in 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'

Modern television often turns its gaze backward, crafting series that not only evoke a sense of nostalgia but also prompt us to reevaluate bygone eras. The series by Ilya Aksenov, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!”, stands as a vivid example of such an approach, conjuring parallels with the American phenomenon “Stranger Things,” albeit with a distinct focus on the realities of Russia. In this article, we will explore how this project, viewed through the lens of 90s romanticism, narrates the coming-of-age story of a generation forged in the aftermath of the USSR's collapse.

Where Does Nostalgia Stem From?

For millennials, the 90s resonate with the tumultuous transition from Soviet stability to wild capitalism. This decade was marked not only by economic uncertainty but also by an extraordinary cultural explosion. The allure of “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” lies in its ability to provide a glimpse into this era through the eyes of adolescents, navigating life between rooftops, street markets, and VHS tapes.

While “Stranger Things” is rooted in the American 80s, here we delve into the domestic 90s, characterized as a time of both freedom and chaos. That delicate balance permeates every facet of the series, from its striking sets and soundtracks to its intricate storylines.

Plot: Teen Adventures in a Criminal Reality

At the heart of the narrative are four teenagers: Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. This group, dubbed the "Brotherhood of the Roof," becomes embroiled in conflicts that mirror the spirit of the times. On one hand, they contend with local bullies, while on the other, they find themselves caught in the crossfire between two criminal factions: Afghan veterans and the Caucasian mafia. This storyline offers a lens through which to perceive the fabric of the 90s, seen through the untainted experiences of youth, devoid of adult cynicism.

Intriguingly, as the kids grapple with external threats, they are also on a profound quest to understand their own emotions and relationships with their parents. For instance, Sanka's mother is depicted juggling household duties while wrestling with haunting memories of a troubled marriage, a grandfather advocating a culture of strength, and a father, a meek writer, who struggles to rise to the challenges of his times.

Inspiration from the Past

The clear comparisons to “Stranger Things” lie in the friendships facing dangers that immerse the audience in the specific atmospheric texture of their environments. However, rather than fantastical elements, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” presents very real threats familiar to a post-Soviet audience. Instead of monsters from other realms, the series features "wolves" and "bulls"—criminals whose personas embody the romantic criminalism of that era.

Moreover, the show’s visual storytelling merits attention. Flashbacks are styled as if rewinding a video tape, while conflict scenes are shot in long, continuous takes that transport viewers directly into the action. The market destruction scene particularly resonates, recalling a similar moment in the film “The Bull.”

The Culture of the 90s in Detail

The decor and props within the series meticulously capture the aesthetics of the era:

• Marketplaces: with boiled jeans and baseball caps emblazoned with "USA California."
• Pop culture: walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and stills from movies like “Kickboxer.”
• Gaming: characters often play on the Dendy console, engaging with “Street Fighter,” highlighting the popularity of pirated versions of Western products.

The soundtrack harmoniously intertwines anthems of the time (Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) with contemporary revisionist covers, like Sirotkin’s take on “Breath” by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Intriguingly, despite featuring strong female characters such as Zhenya, Sanka's mother, and Alik's girlfriend, the series still mirrors a patriarchal culture. Women are often depicted fighting for their place in this world, frequently through conflict with men who adhere to the unwritten laws of the "wild 90s." Nonetheless, these female portrayals enrich the narrative, serving as a reminder that the tides of change swept across all demographics.

Why “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” Matters

This series not only expertly recreates the essence of the 90s, but also recontextualizes it through a modern lens. It serves as both an entertaining show and a cultural investigation, illustrating how the millennial generation, raised amid the chaos, forged its own values.

Additionally, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” creates a dialogue between the past and the present, reminiscent of the finest works that resonate across generational boundaries, uniting viewers from diverse backgrounds.