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

Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey into the Adolescent Era of the 90s

The series by Ilya Aksenov, entitled "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", recently launched on the streaming platform Premier, transcends a mere coming-of-age narrative set in the 1990s. It serves as an immersive voyage through a distinctive epoch in Russia, as viewed through the lens of teenagers living in a small provincial town. This project intertwines nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, weaving a profound and layered depiction of the era of initial capital accumulation in Russia.

Teen Life Amidst Social Change

The storyline unfolds in the turbulent year of 1993 in the Tula region. The central characters include schoolchildren Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and the ginger-haired Zhenya. They while away their days engaging in adventures behind the garages, atop apartment building rooftops, while serially battling the typical tribulations that accompany adolescence. From the tempest of hormones to abandoned musical aspirations and nascent romances, their youthful exuberance collides with the stark realities of their familial and social environments.

Sanya’s family epitomizes the struggle of various generations as they grapple with the whirlwind of change. His mother hawks Turkish linens at the local market, while his father, a professor, becomes increasingly lost in the chaos of social transformation. An equally vibrant character is Uncle Alik, a Vietnam veteran wrestling with post-traumatic stress disorder. His intense nocturnal struggles to abstain from self-destructive behavior and the poignant scenes depicting him handcuffed to a radiator emerge as symbolic metaphors for battling the inner demons that seem to haunt the entire nation.

From Puberty to the Nation’s Puberty

A striking aspect of the series is the parallel drawn between the main characters’ maturation and that of Russia itself. The 1990s—a period characterized by the initial accumulation of wealth—are portrayed not through the conventional lens of gangsters or glamour, but rather through dust-covered courtyards, derelict factories, and the foggy haze of youthful oblivion.

This unique perspective sets Aksenov’s project apart from other cinematic endeavors centered around the 90s, such as Kantemir Balagov's "Tightness" or Boris Akopov's "The Bull". Rather than resorting to excessive dramatization or romanticizing the period, it offers an honest, refreshing outlook that serves as a reminder that even during social upheaval, teenagers remain, fundamentally, teenagers.

Cinematic Style and Acting

Ilya Aksenov, who previously ventured into guerrilla cinema and created independent projects, continues to hone his distinctive style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!". He prioritizes the nuances of acting and the dynamism of performance over elaborate visual effects. Nevertheless, the cinematography by Alexey Filippov merits special mention; sweeping wide shots infused with elements of untamed provincial nature transform the depths of Russia into a kind of Wild West.

Among the notable acting discoveries is Stepan Devonin, who portrays Sanya's father. His character—a sensitive and educated teacher writing a novel in secret while also hustling at the market with his wife—evokes genuine sympathy and admiration. Yuri Borisov as Uncle Alik and Nikita Pavlenko elevate the depth of their roles, demonstrating a meticulous construction of character that resonates deeply with the audience.

Adolescence: A Time of Violence and Dreams

The series' title is deceptively light. "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" encapsulates an age of adolescence suffused with fear and discoveries intertwined. Right from the first episode, a potent symbol of the era materializes—the black BMW, which stands as a manifestation of violence and the criminal underbelly. Yet, the series skillfully balances its narrative between dark comedy, drama, and the essence of coming-of-age, leaving viewers the freedom to interpret the plotlines in their own ways.

Final Thoughts

"Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" is far from yet another series about the 90s; it represents a nuanced and contemplative exploration that, through the eyes of its youthful protagonists, illuminates a country undergoing monumental transformations. Combining elements of tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov has crafted a work that not only entertains but also moves the viewer to reflect on how both personal and societal maturation invariably involves pain and discovery.