Exploring Teenage Life in 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'
The Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey Through the Teenage Epoch of the 90s
The series directed by Ilya Aksenov, titled "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", recently launched on the streaming platform Premier, offers more than just a coming-of-age narrative set in the 1990s. It serves as a multifaceted voyage into a distinctive era in Russian history, viewed through the lens of adolescence in a modest provincial town. This project artfully intertwines nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, crafting a rich and layered portrayal of the initial phases of capital accumulation in post-Soviet Russia.
Adolescent Life Amid Social Transformation
Set against the backdrop of 1993 in the Tula region, the storyline follows a lively group of schoolmates: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and the spirited redhead Zhenya. Their days revolve around hanging out in alleyways, atop apartment rooftops, and dreaming about the future, while grappling with the ubiquitous tribulations of teenage life.
The whirlwind of hormones, discarded musical dreams, and budding romances intricately mingles with the more brutal realities of their family lives and social circumstances.
Sanya’s family epitomizes the struggle of different generations navigating through change. His mother runs a market stall selling Turkish linens, while his father, a college lecturer, is lost in a maelstrom of societal upheaval. The character of Uncle Alik, a veteran of the Afghan war, is no less compelling as he grapples with post-traumatic stress in his nightly battles against reckless impulses. His desperate attempts to rein in the chaos inside him, marked symbolically by scenes where he cuffs himself to a radiator, resonate deeply, echoing the struggles that seemingly haunt the nation at large.
From Teenage Turmoil to a Nation’s Growing Pains
One of the series' unique aspects lies in the parallels drawn between the protagonists' coming of age and Russia's own maturation during this transformative period. The 1990s—often remembered as the chaotic years of nascent capitalism—are depicted not through the usual gangster tropes or glamour but rather in dusty courtyards, deserted factories, and the obliviousness of youth.
This perspective sets Aksenov’s project apart from other cinematic explorations of the 90s, such as "Tightness" by Kantemir Balagov or "Bull" by Boris Akopov. Here, there is neither excessive dramatization nor a romanticized portrayal of those times. Instead, the narrative offers an earnest and refreshing viewpoint, reminding us that even amidst colossal social disasters, adolescence retains its universal essence.
Cinematic Style and Acting Performances
Ilya Aksenov, who previously delved into the realm of guerrilla cinema with his independent works, continues to cultivate his distinctive style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!". He emphasizes the intensity of performances and character dynamics over flashy visuals. That said, the cinematography by Alexei Filippov deserves special mention; it captures wide-format shots that showcase the rugged beauty of provincial life, transforming the Russian hinterland into an analog of the Wild West.
Among the notable acting talents is Stepan Devonin, who portrays Sanya’s father. His character—a cultured teacher secretly writing a novel while simultaneously selling goods in the market with his wife—evokes both sympathy and admiration. Jury Borisov’s embodiment of Uncle Alik, alongside Nikita Pavlenko’s portrayal, demonstrates a profound exploration of their multifaceted roles.
Teenage Yearnings Amidst Violence and Discovery
The series title might appear to trivialize the subject matter. However, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" reveals a bittersweet exploration of the teenage experience, where fear and revelations walk hand in hand. In the inaugural episode, a black BMW—a potent symbol of violence and the criminal underworld—makes its appearance. Yet the show deftly navigates the complexities of black comedy, drama, and coming-of-age storytelling, allowing viewers the space to interpret its narrative threads independently.
Final Reflections
Ultimately, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" transcends the notion of being merely another series about the 90s. It stands as a nuanced and profound work that, through the imagery of youth, illuminates a nation at a time of monumental transformation. By blending tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov has crafted a narrative that entertains, touches hearts, and prompts contemplation about the inherent pain and discoveries that accompany both personal and societal maturation.