Exploring Teenage Life in the '90s: A Series Review
The series by Ilya Aksenov, titled "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", recently launched on the streaming service Premier, takes viewers on much more than just a nostalgic voyage through adolescence in the 1990s. It offers a captivating glimpse into a distinctive era of Russian history, portrayed through the everyday lives of teenagers in a small provincial town. This project intricately weaves together elements of nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, crafting a profound, multi-layered narrative that encapsulates the zeitgeist of the initial phase of capital accumulation in the country.
Teenage Life Amidst Social Transformation
Set in the year 1993, against the backdrop of Tula Oblast, this coming-of-age series introduces us to its central characters: Sanyka, Vovka, Ilya, and the red-haired Zhenya. These schoolmates spend their days lurking in garages, hanging out on rooftops, and dreaming about their futures while navigating common adolescent challenges. The tumult of hormonal changes, abandoned musical dreams, and first love stirs together with the harsh realities of their familial backgrounds and community.
Sanyka's family serves as a quintessential reflection of how different generations cope with change. His mother sells Turkish lingerie at local markets, whereas his father, a college educator, finds himself adrift amid the societal upheaval. Another pivotal character is Uncle Alyk, a veteran of the Afghan War, who grapples with post-traumatic stress disorder. His nighttime struggles to maintain control and scenes where he binds himself to a radiator serve as potent symbols of a larger battle with inner demons that seem to haunt the entire nation.
From Puberty to the Nation’s Growth
One of the standout features of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" is the parallel it draws between the characters’ maturation experiences and the broader "growing up" of Russia itself. The tumultuous 1990s — marked by the raw beginnings of capital accumulation — are depicted here not through the clichéd lenses of gangsters or glamorous lifestyles, but rather through dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and the carefree ignorance of youth.
This distinctive perspective sets Aksenov’s work apart from other cinematic portrayals of the 1990s, like “Tightness” by Kantemir Balagov or “Bull” by Boris Akopov. There is a notable absence of excessive dramatization or attempts to romanticize that decade. Instead, we witness a genuine and refreshing outlook that reminds us that despite the backdrop of social catastrophe, teenagers experience life as teenagers do.
Cinematic Style and Actor Performances
Ilya Aksenov, known for his work in guerrilla cinema and independent projects, furthers his unique directorial style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!". Here, his focus lies on the performances of the actors and the dynamism of their interactions rather than elaborate visual tricks. Nonetheless, the cinematography by Alexey Filippov merits special attention; the wide-format shots infused with elements of untamed provincial scenery transform the Russian countryside into an evocative equivalent of the Wild West.
Among the notable actors, Stepan Devoin stands out in his role as Sanyka's father. His portrayal of an intellectual teacher drafting an unpublished novel while struggling to survive by bartering with his wife at the market is both sympathetic and admirable. Yuri Borisov’s performance as Uncle Alyk, alongside Nikita Pavlenko, reflects a remarkable depth in character development.
A Violent yet Dreamy Teenage Era
The title of the series might seem light-hearted, but "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" captures a teenage era where fear coexists with life-changing discoveries. Right from the first episode, the black BMW emerges as a potent symbol of violence and the criminal underbelly. Nevertheless, the series deftly balances dark comedy, drama, and the trials of growing up, allowing viewers the freedom to interpret the unfolding narratives through their lenses.
Closing Reflections
Overall, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transcends being just another nostalgic glimpse into the 1990s. It represents a nuanced and insightful exploration that vividly portrays a country amid its most significant transformations through the lens of its youth. By intertwining tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov delivers a work that simultaneously entertains, resonates emotionally, and encourages introspection about the truth that both personal and societal coming-of-age journeys are invariably accompanied by pain and enlightenment.