Exploring 90s Nostalgia in 'Peace! Friendship! Bubblegum!'

Modern television often dips into the well of nostalgia, crafting series that not only tug at our heartstrings but also encourage us to reassess bygone eras. The series by Ilya Aksenov, "Peace! Friendship! Bubblegum!" stands as a striking example of this method, conjuring connections to the American phenomenon "Stranger Things" while firmly rooting itself in the fabric of Russian reality. In this piece, we will explore how this project, through the lens of 90s romance, narrates the coming-of-age story of a generation shaped in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse.

Where Does Nostalgia Come From?

For millennials, the 1990s evoke memories of a tumultuous transition from the security of Soviet life to the chaotic rush of capitalism. This period was defined not just by economic uncertainty but also by an exhilarating cultural renaissance. The allure of "Peace! Friendship! Bubblegum!" lies in its ability to present this era through the eyes of teenagers who navigate a world filled with rooftops, markets, and VHS tapes.

While "Stranger Things" centers around the American 1980s, this Russian narrative immerses viewers in the domestic 90s—a time marked by both newfound freedom and utter disorder. This narrative balance seeps into every element of the show—from its vibrant decorations and compelling soundtrack to the intricate plotlines.

The Plot: Teen Adventures in a Criminal World

At the heart of the story are four teenagers: Sanyka, Vovka, Ilya, and Zhenya. Their group, dubbed the "Brotherhood of the Roof," finds itself embroiled in conflicts that mirror the zeitgeist. On one hand, they grapple with local bullies, while on the other, they are pulled into a struggle between two criminal factions: Afghan war veterans and the Caucasian mafia. This storyline dissects the essence of the 90s through the lens of youthful experiences, unclouded by adult cynicism.

It’s particularly intriguing to observe how these adolescents simultaneously contend with external threats while trying to navigate their own feelings and familial relationships. For instance, Sanyka’s mother manages a household while wrestling with memories of a troubled marriage, her grandfather touts an ideology of strength, and her father—a weak-willed writer—proves ill-equipped to face the challenges of their era.

Drawing Inspiration from the Past

The comparisons with "Stranger Things" are hard to miss: a band of friends standing against formidable odds, transporting the audience to a distinct time frame. However, rather than diving into the realm of fantasy, "Peace! Friendship! Bubblegum!" showcases very real threats familiar to a post-Soviet audience. The villains here aren’t monsters from parallel universes but rather the "wolves" and "bulls" of society—criminals whose portrayals encapsulate the romanticized danger of the time.

The visual storytelling of the series merits attention too. Flashbacks are creatively styled to mimic rewinding a videotape, and action scenes are captured through lengthy, uninterrupted shots, crafting an immersive effect. A memorable scene depicting the devastation of a market, for instance, invokes a similar moment from the film "Bull."

The Culture of the 90s in Detail

The sets and props of the series painstakingly recreate the era's aesthetic:

• Flea markets: items like boiled jeans and caps emblazoned with "USA California".
• Pop culture: walls adorned with posters of Sylvester Stallone and scenes from the film "Kickboxer".
• The Dendy gaming console: where characters engage in "Street Fighter," spotlighting the prevalence of pirated Western products.

The soundtrack features a harmonious blend of chart-toppers from the time (like Dr. Alban, Irina Allegrova, Haddaway) interwoven with contemporary revisitations—such as Sirotkin's cover of "Breath" originally by Nautilus Pompilius.

Gender and Toxic Masculinity

It’s worth noting that despite the presence of strong female characters, such as Zhenya, Sanyka’s mother, and Alik’s girlfriend, the series still reflects a patriarchal culture. Women are compelled to fight for their rightful place within this world, often through conflicts with men who cling to the norms of the ‘wild 90s.’ Yet, the inclusion of these female characters enriches the narrative, serving as a reminder that the era of transformation affected everyone involved.

Why is "Peace! Friendship! Bubblegum!" Significant?

This series adeptly recreates the vibrancy of the 90s while reinterpreting that time through the lens of today. It's not just a source of entertainment; it’s a cultural examination that reveals how millennials, who grew up amid chaos, forged their own set of values.

Further, "Peace! Friendship! Bubblegum!" serves as a bridge connecting the past and the present—like the best works of art, it unites viewers across generations.