Exploring the Depths of 'Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!'

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

Ilya Aksenov’s series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" recently debuted on the streaming platform Premier, unfolding an engaging narrative that transcends mere coming-of-age tales set in the 1990s. It serves as a profound exploration of a distinctive period in Russia, portrayed through the eyes of teenagers navigating life in a small provincial town. This project intertwines nostalgia, tragedy, and humor, crafting a rich and multi-layered representation of the tumultuous era marked by the initial phases of capital accumulation.

Teenage Life Amidst Social Transformations

Set against the backdrop of 1993 in the Tula region, the series unfolds around the lives of schoolboys Sanya, Vovka, Ilya, and the spirited redhead Zhenya. These teenagers spend their days hiding away behind garages and atop high-rise buildings, dreaming of brighter futures while grappling with the challenges typical of adolescence. Hormonal surges, abandoned musical ambitions, and first romances mingle with the harsher realities of their familial lives and environments.

Sanya’s family exemplifies the struggles of diverse generations adapting to rapid change. His mother, a market vendor selling Turkish linens, contrasts sharply with his father, a professor overwhelmed by the societal upheaval. A standout character is Uncle Alik, a war veteran battling the haunting shadows of PTSD. His late-night battles to stay grounded, often depicted through heart-wrenching scenes involving handcuffs to radiators, evoke powerful metaphors for a nation wrestling with its inner demons.

From Pubescence to National Maturity

A noteworthy characteristic of the series is the parallel drawn between the characters' maturation and Russia's own journey towards adulthood. The 1990s, a time often characterized by initial capital accumulation, is illustrated not through the lens of glamorous gangster life or excess, but instead through dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and the innocent befuddlement of youth.

This distinctive approach sets Aksenov's work apart from other film and television portrayals of the 90s, such as Kantemir Balagov’s "Tightness" or Boris Akopov’s "Bull." There is no excessive dramatization or romanticization of that turbulent decade. Instead, the narrative maintains an honest and refreshing perspective that resonates with viewers. It serves as a reminder that even during times of social crisis, the essence of adolescence remains unchanged.

Cinematic Style and Performances

Having previously delved into guerrilla cinema and independent projects, Ilya Aksenov continues to cultivate his distinctive style. In "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", he highlights the significance of strong performances and energetic interactions over grand visual flair. Despite this emphasis, the cinematography by Alexey Filippov deserves special mention: wide-format shots that incorporate elements of rugged provincial landscapes transform the Russian countryside into a hauntingly beautiful reflection of the Wild West.

Among the notable performances is Stepan Devonin, who plays Sanya’s father. Flipping between his role as an intellectual educator writing a novel in secret and his duties as a market trader beside his wife, Devonin creates a character full of relatable struggles that elicits empathy and respect. Yuri Borisov delivers a poignant performance as Uncle Alik, while Nikita Pavlenko effectively captures the subtleties of his character, bringing depth to the ensemble.

A Teenage Era of Violence and Dreams

The title of the series might come off as deceptively playful, yet "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" encapsulates a teenage world where fear and discovery exist side by side. The first episode introduces a symbol of the era—the ominous black BMW—embodying the menace of violence and the criminal underworld. However, the series skillfully balances elements of dark comedy, drama, and the bittersweet nature of growing up, inviting viewers to interpret the character arcs and storylines personally.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" stands as more than just another nostalgic jaunt through the 90s. It represents a nuanced and thoughtful piece of storytelling that encapsulates the essence of a nation undergoing significant transformations through the lens of youth. By blending tragedy, humor, and nostalgia, Ilya Aksenov crafts a narrative that not only entertains but also resonates deeply, prompting reflection on the inevitable pain and discoveries that accompany the journey to adulthood—be it personal or societal.