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

Why “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” is a Reflection of the 90s and Our “Stranger Things”

In the modern era of television, nostalgia plays a central role in reconnecting audiences with the past. Series like Ilia Aksenov's “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” exemplify this trend, forging a pathway for viewers to revisit and reevaluate bygone eras. This show strikes a chord with fans of the American phenomenon “Stranger Things,” yet places its unique lens on Russian realities. In this exploration, we will delve into how this series, through the tinted filters of 90s romance, narrates the coming-of-age stories of a generation crafted from the ruins of the Soviet Union.

The Source of Nostalgia

For millennials, the 1990s evoke memories of a tumultuous transition from the rigid stability of the Soviet era to the chaotic clutches of unfettered capitalism. It was a time not only fraught with economic uncertainty but also bursting with cultural renaissance. The allure of “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” lies in its ability to present this tumultuous decade through the eyes of teenagers, navigating the precarious maze between the rooftops, bustling markets, and the flickering magic of VHS tapes.

As “Stranger Things” captures the quintessential American 80s experience, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” immerses viewers in the domestic trials and tribulations of the 90s—a blend of freedom and disorder. This duality permeates the show, echoing throughout its set designs, musical choices, and narrative arcs.

Plot: Adventures of Adolescents Amidst Reality’s Grit

At the heart of the story are four teenagers: Sanya, Vova, Ilya, and Zhenya. This group, affectionately dubbed the “Brotherhood of the Rooftop,” finds themselves embroiled in conflicts that encapsulate the zeitgeist of their time. On one hand, there’s a rivalry with local bullies; on the other hand, their lives intertwine with the fierce struggles between two criminal factions: Afghan War veterans and the burgeoning Caucasian mafia. This narrative thread allows viewers a peek into the atmosphere of the 90s, felt through the lens of youthful innocence unmarred by the cynicism of adulthood.

Moreover, the show goes deep under the surface, revealing how these teenagers grapple not just with external dangers, but also with their own feelings and relationships with their parents. For instance, Sanya’s mother is depicted as a strong woman navigating her household while battling memories of a difficult marriage, while his grandfather embodies an archetypal cult of strength, contrasting sharply with Sanya’s father, a weak-willed writer unable to meet the epoch's challenges.

Drawn from the Past

The obvious parallels with “Stranger Things” are noteworthy: a circle of friends taking on menacing threats, fully immersing viewers in a specific era’s flesh and bones. However, while “Stranger Things” intertwines fantastical elements, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” presents real-world menaces that are intimately familiar to post-Soviet audiences. Instead of extraterrestrial creatures lurking in the dark, we have the omnipresent shadows of gangs—fearsome "wolves" and "bulls" whose presence encapsulates the crime-ridden romance of the period.

The visual style of the series is also commendable, with flashbacks designed to mimic the rewinding of a VHS tape, and conflict sequences filmed in sweeping, continuous shots that create an immersive experience for the audience. A particularly memorable scene is the raid on a marketplace, evoking a similar moment in the film “Bull.”

The Culture of the 90s in Fine Detail

The series meticulously captures the aesthetic of the 90s through its decor and props:

• Open-air markets: Items like boiled jeans and baseball caps showcasing slogans like “USA California” abound.
• Pop culture: Sylvester Stallone posters and snapshots from films like “Kickboxer” adorn the characters' walls.
• Gaming nostalgia: The Dendy console comes to life as the teens engage in “Street Fighter,” underlining the prevalence of pirated western games.

Moreover, the soundtrack beautifully melds iconic hits from the era, featuring tracks from Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, and Haddaway, alongside contemporary reinterpretations, such as Syrotkin’s cover of “Breath” by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, despite the presence of strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanya’s mother, and Alik’s girlfriend, the series underscores the prevailing patriarchal culture. Women often find themselves battling not only for their rightful place in society but also against the male characters who cling tightly to the enforcing codes of the "wild 90s." Yet, the portrayal of female figures deepens the narrative, reminding us that the winds of change affected everyone, not just a select gender.

The Significance of “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!”

This series excels not only in recreating the vibrant atmosphere of the 90s but also in reinterpreting that era through the lens of today’s world. It serves as both an entertaining show and a cultural critique, detailing how the millennial generation, shaped by chaos, cultivated its own values amidst turmoil.

In essence, “Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!” acts as a dialogue between the past and present, uniting viewers from various generations, akin to the finest works of art.