Exploring the Depths of ‘Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!’
The Series "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" – A Journey through the Teenage Era of the 90s
The series by Ilya Aksenov, titled "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!", recently introduced on the Premier streaming platform, is far more than a mere narrative of adolescence in the 1990s. It unfolds into a gripping exploration of a unique epoch in Russia, artfully illustrated through the lives of teenagers in a small provincial town. This project intricately weaves nostalgia, tragedy, and humor into a rich and layered depiction of a time marked by the initial accumulation of capital.
Teenage Life Amidst Social Change
Set against the backdrop of 1993 in Tula Oblast, the series centers on the lives of schoolmates Sanyka, Vovka, Ilya, and the fiery-haired Zhenya. Their days are filled with escapades behind garages, on rooftops of apartment blocks, while they dream about the future—all the while grappling with typical teenage tribulations. Hormonal surges, abandoned musical instruments, and the first whispers of romance intertwine with the harsh realities of their familial environments.
Sanyka's family stands as a classic example of how different generations navigate change. His mother hustles in the local market selling Turkish textiles, while his father, a college lecturer, is often lost in the whirlwind of social upheaval. Another compelling character, Uncle Alik, a veteran of the Afghan war, battles the ghosts of his traumatic past. His nighttime struggles to resist reckless behavior—symbolically represented by scenes of him handcuffed to a radiator—serve as a poignant metaphor for the internal demons that seem to haunt an entire nation.
From Puberty to National Puberty
A striking aspect of the series is its parallel between the maturation of the young protagonists and the "coming of age" of Russia itself. The 1990s, an era notorious for the initial accumulation of wealth, is depicted here not through the typical gangster tropes or glamorous imagery, but rather through the dusty courtyards, abandoned factories, and the obliviousness of youth.
This unique approach sets Aksenov's project apart from other cinematic tales of the 90s, such as Kantemir Balagov's "Tightness" or Boris Akopov's "Bull." There is no excessive dramatization or romanticization of those years; instead, we are presented with an honest and refreshing perspective that reminds audiences that even amid social calamity, the adolescent spirit remains undeterred.
Cinematic Style and Actor Performances
Ilya Aksenov, who previously delved into the genre of guerrilla cinema with independent projects, continues to cultivate his distinctive style in "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" Here, he emphasizes the performances and dynamics of actors rather than relying on visual flourishes. Nevertheless, the cinematography by Alexey Filippov deserves special acknowledgment—panoramic shots featuring the rugged beauty of provincial life transform the Russian countryside into an echo of the Wild West.
Noteworthy is the performance of Stepan Devonin, who plays Sanyka's father. His portrayal of an intellectual teacher concealing a literary aspiration while simultaneously struggling to make ends meet at the market evokes genuine sympathy and respect. Both Yuri Borisov, in the role of Uncle Alik, and Nikita Pavlenko showcase a profound exploration of their characters, enriching the narrative.
The Teenage Epoch of Violence and Dreams
The title of the series may appear deceptively light-hearted. "Peace! Friendship! Chewing Gum!" encapsulates a youthful era where fear intertwines with discovery. Right from the first episode, a symbol of the epoch appears—the ominous black BMW, which embodies violence and the criminal underworld. Yet, the series deftly maintains a balance between dark comedy, drama, and the coming-of-age narrative, allowing viewers the space to interpret the storylines through their lenses.