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

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Reflects the 90s and Our "Stranger Things"

Modern television often gazes back into the past, crafting series that not only stir feelings of nostalgia but also encourage a reevaluation of historical moments. The series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" created by Ilya Aksenov serves as an illustrative example of this phenomenon. It evokes comparisons to the American sensation "Stranger Things," yet focuses distinctly on Russian realities. In this piece, we will explore how the show captures the essence of a generation shaped amid the debris of the Soviet Union, filtered through the romantic lens of the 90s, pulling viewers into a vibrant past.

The Roots of Nostalgia

For millennials, the 1990s conjure vivid images of a tumultuous transition from the stability of the Soviet era to the chaotic embrace of wild capitalism. This decade wasn’t just marked by economic instability; it was a fertile ground for a remarkable cultural renaissance. The charm of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to offer a glimpse into this era through the eyes of adolescents navigating life amid rooftops, bustling markets, and the clatter of VHS tapes.

While "Stranger Things" immerses audiences in the American 80s, this series takes viewers through the tumult of the 90s in Russia—a time characterized by both newfound freedom and rampant disorder. Every element of the show, from set designs to musical scores and narrative arcs, encapsulates this delicate balance, inviting you to experience a world bursting with contradictions.

Plot: Adolescent Adventures in a Criminal Landscape

At the heart of the narrative, we find four teenagers—Sanka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya—who form a tight-knit group that nicknames itself the "Brotherhood of the Roof." Their camaraderie thrusts them into conflicts that resonate deeply with the zeitgeist of their time. On one hand, they face off against local bullies; on the other, they find themselves embroiled in a fierce struggle between two crime factions: Afghan war veterans and the Caucasian mafia. This storyline not only sheds light on the 90s atmosphere through the fog of youthful sentiment but also strips away the adult cynicism that often colors our understanding of such turbulent times.

Intriguingly, as they wrestle with external dangers, these teenagers also grapple with their inner lives and familial dynamics. For instance, Sanka’s mother juggles the responsibilities of home while grappling with painful memories of a tumultuous marriage, his grandfather idolizes strength, and his father—a timid writer—struggles to face the relentless trials of their era.

Inspirations from the Past

The parallels to "Stranger Things" are undeniable: a group of friends standing against peril while fully immersing the audience in a particular slice of history. However, where "Stranger Things" weaves in the fantastical, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" portrays tangible threats familiar to a post-Soviet audience. Instead of monsters from alternate dimensions, the protagonists confront "wolves" and "bulls"—the criminal underbelly that embodies the romantic desperation of their time.

The visual aesthetics of the show merit particular praise. Flashbacks take on the style of rewinding video tapes, while conflict scenes are shot in long, uninterrupted takes, enhancing the immersive experience. A notable moment is the depiction of a market riot, echoing a similar scene from the film "Bull."

90s Culture in Sharp Focus

The set design and props of the series meticulously capture the essence of the decade:

• Flea Markets: Wrinkled jeans, baseball hats emblazoned with "USA California".
• Pop Culture Artifacts: The walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and clips from the film "Kickboxer".
• Dendy Gaming Console: The characters engage in "Street Fighter," highlighting the proliferation of bootlegged Western games.

Musically, the show blends era-defining hits (Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) with contemporary reinterpretations, such as Sirotkin’s cover of "Breathing" by Nautilus Pompilius, creating a rich auditory landscape.

Gender Dynamics and Toxic Masculinity

Interestingly, despite featuring strong female characters like Zhenya and Sanka's mother, as well as Alica's girlfriend, the show largely reflects a patriarchal culture. Women are often seen battling for their voice within a landscape dominated by men who adhere to the rough and reckless codes of the "difficult 90s." Nevertheless, the representation of female characters adds depth, serving as a reminder that the winds of change swept over everyone during this transformative era.

The Significance of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!"

This series not only expertly recreates the ambiance of the 90s but also reinterprets it through the lens of contemporary society. It stands as both an entertaining spectacle and a cultural examination, showcasing how the millennial generation—shaped amid chaos—crafted its unique set of values.

Moreover, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" acts as a dialogue between the past and the present, creating a tapestry that interweaves the experiences of different generations, just like the best art does, fostering connections across time.