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

Series Review: "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey Through the Teenage Era of the 90s

The series by Ilya Aksenov, titled "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", recently made its debut on the Premier streaming platform and is not merely a tale of growing up during the tumultuous 1990s. It serves as a profound odyssey into a distinctive chapter of Russia's history, encapsulated through the lives of adolescents in a quaint provincial town. This creative project masterfully intertwines nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, crafting a deep and intricate portrait of a time marked by the early accumulation of capital.

Teenage Life Amid Social Transformations

Set against the backdrop of 1993 in the Tula region, the narrative unfolds around a group of teenage friends: Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and the fiery-haired Zhenya. Their days are spent lurking behind garages, scaling the roofs of apartment buildings, and daydreaming about the future while grappling with typical adolescent trials. Hormonal upheavals, abandoned musical instruments, and the pangs of first love seamlessly intertwine with the stark realities of their family dynamics and wider society.

Sanya’s familial situation is a quintessential representation of how different generations navigated upheaval. His mother sells fashionable Turkish linens at the local market, and his father, an inconspicuous professor, struggles to make sense of the tempest swirling around them. A particularly vivid character is Uncle Alik, a veteran of the Afghan war, wrestling with the haunting effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. His nighttime escapades teetering on the edge of recklessness and the jarring images of handcuffs attached to a radiator symbolize the stifling battle against internal demons—an overwhelming affliction that echoes the national sentiment.

From the Puberty of Youth to the Nation's Awakening

One standout characteristic of this series is the striking parallel drawn between the characters’ maturation and the ‘coming of age’ narrative of Russia itself. The 1990s, a period known for its initial phase of capital accumulation, are portrayed not through the stereotypical lenses of gangsters or glamorous lifestyles but through dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and the blissful amnesia often associated with adolescence.

This distinctive approach sets Aksenov's project apart from other cinematic interpretations of the 90s, such as Kantemir Balagov's "Tightness" or Boris Akopov's "Bull". Here, there isn’t an abundance of melodrama or a glorification of the era; instead, viewers are treated to an honest and refreshing perspective that reminds us that even amidst sociopolitical disasters, teenagers remain teenagers at heart.

Cinematic Style and Acting Brilliance

Ilya Aksenov, who previously dabbled in guerrilla cinema and independent projects, continues to cultivate his distinctive filmmaking style. In "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", he emphasizes performance and character dynamics over visual flare. Nevertheless, the cinematography by Alexey Filippov deserves a spotlight: sweeping frame compositions infused with elements of wild provincial landscapes turn the Russian backwoods into an evocative counterpart to the Wild West.

Among the outstanding performances is Stepan Devonin, who brings Sanya's father to life. He portrays an intellectual educator, secretly scribbling a novel while simultaneously bargaining at the marketplace with his wife, evoking both empathy and respect. Likewise, Yuri Borisov as Uncle Alik and Nikita Pavlenko offer deeply nuanced interpretations of their roles.

An Era Marked by Violence and Dreams

At first glance, the title "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" may seem deceptively light-hearted. However, the series captures a youthful epoch where fear and self-discovery are inseparable. Even in the premiere episode, a black BMW—a symbol of both violence and the criminal underbelly—emerges, providing a stark contrast. The series skillfully navigates the realms of dark comedy, drama, and the coming-of-age genre, allowing viewers the freedom to interpret the various plot lines as they see fit.

Final Thoughts

"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" is far more than just another retrospective look into the 1990s. It stands out as a nuanced and profound work that, through the portrayal of its teenage characters, reflects a nation undergoing monumental transformations. By blending tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov crafts a narrative that entertains, resonates emotionally, and prompts reflection on the nature of growth—whether personal or societal—always intertwined with the experiences of pain and discovery.