The Cultural Echoes of '90s Russia in Modern TV

Why "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Reflects the '90s and Our Own Version of "Stranger Things"

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern television, creators often turn their gazes backward, crafting series that not only spark waves of nostalgia but also encourage a deeper exploration of past eras. The series by Ilya Aksenov, titled "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", stands out as a prominent example of this phenomenon, drawing intriguing parallels with the American hit "Stranger Things", while distinctly anchoring itself in the realities of Russian life. In this piece, we will delve into how the project, filtered through the lens of '90s romanticism, narrates the coming-of-age stories of a generation born amidst the ruins of the USSR.

Where Does Nostalgia Stem From?

For millennials, the '90s evoke memories of a tumultuous shift from the stability of the Soviet era to the chaotic beginnings of capitalism. This period was marked not only by economic upheaval but also by a vibrant cultural renaissance. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" lies in its ability to present this era through the lives of teenagers navigating the alleyways of their cities, bustling markets, and the flickering screens of VHS tapes.

While "Stranger Things" immerses viewers in the heart of the American '80s, Aksenov's series unfolds within the chaotic landscape of Russian '90s — a time that embodied both freedom and disorder. This duality resonates throughout every facet of the show, manifesting itself in the setting, soundtrack, and narrative arcs.

Plot: Teen Adventures Within a Criminal Reality

At the core of the story are four young protagonists: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Their gang, affectionately dubbed the "Brotherhood of the Roof", is embroiled in conflicts that mirror the spirit of their times. On one hand, they face off against local bullies, while on the other, they find themselves caught in the crossfire of rival criminal factions: veterans from Afghanistan and the Caucasian mafia. This narrative thread offers a unique perspective on the atmosphere of '90s Russia through the innocent yet tumultuous experiences of adolescence, devoid of the adult cynicism that often colors such tales.

A fascinating aspect unfolds as these teenagers grapple not only with external pressures but also with their emotions and relationships with their parents. For instance, Sanya’s mother juggles running their household while wrestling with the shadows of a challenging marriage, her grandfather promotes a creed of strength, and her father, a timid writer, finds himself unable to meet the epoch's demands.

Inspiration from the Past

The inevitable comparisons with "Stranger Things" are clear: both feature groups of friends confronting dangers, effectively immersing audiences in the specific vibes of their eras. However, where "Stranger Things" dives into the realms of fantasy, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" offers a tableau of very real threats that resonate with a post-Soviet audience. Instead of fantastical creatures from alternate dimensions, viewers encounter "wolves" and "bulls" — the slang for gangsters embodying the criminal romanticism of that decade.

Moreover, the series employs intriguing visual techniques. Flashbacks are styled like fast-forwarded video cassettes, and action scenes are shot in long, unbroken takes that create a palpable sense of presence. A particularly memorable scene involving the destruction of a market recalls a similar moment depicted in the film "The Bull".

The Culture of the '90s in Detail

The sets and props used in the series meticulously reflect the aesthetic of the time:

• Flea Markets: The characters drift through stalls filled with boiled jeans and caps sporting "USA California" slogans.
• Pop Culture: Walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and glimpses from the film "Kickboxer" set the tone of their environment.
• Gaming Culture: The characters spend their time playing "Street Fighter" on a Dendy console, highlighting the prevalence of pirated western media.

Moreover, the soundtrack artfully marries iconic songs from that era (Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) with contemporary reinterpretations, such as Siratkin’s cover of Nautilus Pompilius’s "Breathing".

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

Intriguingly, despite the presence of strong female characters like Zhenya, Sanya's mother, and Alik's girlfriend, the series remains a mirror of patriarchal culture. Women often find themselves fighting for their place in a world governed by the machinations of men who still adhere to the "wild '90s" mentality. Yet, these female figures enrich the narrative, reminding us that the transformative era impacted everyone involved.

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

This series is not just a clever recreation of the '90s ambiance; it also reinterprets that era through a contemporary lens. It serves as both an entertaining show and a cultural study, revealing how a millennial generation, raised amid chaos, shaped their values against this backdrop.

Furthermore, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" fosters a dialogue between the past and the present, much like the best literary works, uniting audiences across different generations.