Movies

A changing China, captured in 25 years of outtakes, emerges in the poetic ‘Caught by the Tides’

BBG News

Jia Zhangke’s films from northern China create a unique cinematic world of their own. Consistently exploring topics such as globalization and detachment, this 55-year-old director has carefully documented his nation’s challenging transition into the 21st century, where rapid industrialization threatens to numb those who are left behind.

In “Caught by the Tides,” his newest production unveiled at the Frida Cinema today, Jia offers a daring, introspective reinterpretation of his recurring themes. By utilizing footage spanning almost 25 years, including clips from his critically-acclaimed films, he constructs a moving narrative that seamlessly integrates fragments of past narratives. His characters’ struggles with the impact of time have always been a focus for him; in this piece, we witness his actors growing older right before our eyes.

Last year at Cannes Film Festival, when “Caught by the Tides” was first screened, critics often drew a convenient, albeit not completely precise analogy to describe Jia’s work: they compared it to “Boyhood.” Like “Boyhood,” “Caught by the Tides” followed a young actor over the span of many years. However, Richard Linklater meticulously planned his masterpiece in advance. In contrast, Jia developed his film more spontaneously, using the pandemic lockdown as an opportunity to re-explore his personal archives.

In a director’s statement, Jia observed that the footage didn’t follow a straightforward sequence of cause-and-effect events. Instead, it exhibited a more intricate connection, much like the principles in quantum physics, where the flow of life is influenced and shaped by factors that are difficult to define precisely.

Movies

For Subscribers

The 27 best movie theaters in Los Angeles

27 top movie theaters across Los Angeles have been highlighted, ranging from the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre and the New Beverly Cinema to the Alamo Drafthouse. Notably, among them, it’s AMC that stands out in Burbank.

In my perspective, what unfolds is a captivating narrative divided into three intriguing segments. Each part skillfully escalates emotionally as it progresses. Initially, we find ourselves in the year 2001, with Qiaoqiao (Zhao Tao) residing in Datong and dating Bin (Li Zhubin). A joyful moment of singing with friends marks the beginning, but this turns out to be the last time her voice graces our ears. It’s a testament to Zhao’s powerful acting that many viewers might not even notice the absence of her spoken words. Despite being silent, Qiaoqiao is so vividly portrayed, her attentive eyes absorbing everything around her, and her subtle expressions conveying volumes.

As a passionate movie reviewer, I found myself deeply moved by the tale of ‘Qiaoqiao’s Pursuit.’ This captivating story follows the dreams and heartaches of a young woman named Qiaoqiao, who harbors an ardent desire to become a singer. Her life takes an unexpected turn when Bin, her partner, sends a text announcing his departure in search of better financial prospects. He assures her he’ll keep in touch once settled, but I can’t shake the feeling that this restless, self-centered individual may vanish from Qiaoqiao’s life forever.

True to form, Bin disappears without a trace, leaving Qiaoqiao with no choice but to embark on a journey to find him. This poignant and gripping tale beautifully portrays the lengths one will go for love, hope, and the pursuit of dreams.

As a film enthusiast, I found “Caught by the Tides” to be a treasure trove for those familiar with Jia’s cinematic journey, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses and outtakes from his earlier works. The enigmatic Zhao, who has been a captivating presence in Jia’s films since their debut together in the groundbreaking “Platform” (2000), is once again at the forefront here. Remarkably, the character Qiaoqiao we see at the film’s beginning was actually filmed around the same time as her initial appearances. Interestingly, Zhao portrayed Qiaoqiao in Jia’s 2002 drama “Unknown Pleasures,” while Li, too, graced the screens in this and subsequent Jia productions.

For those who are new to Jia’s work, don’t be afraid to dive into his creations here. They’ll quickly spot the older footage in the film, some of it shot on grainy DV cameras, while more recent segments showcase the high-quality, wide-screen compositions that Jia is known for. “Caught by the Tides” provides a convenient introduction to Jia’s interest in China’s political, cultural, and economic development. It builds upon his recurring themes with the advantage of covering a broader timespan of 25 years.

Movies

This summer appears promising, offering a mix of blockbuster hits (big Hollywood swings), thoughtful independent films (smart indie alternatives), and some entertaining yet mindless movies (delicious-looking dumb) – all essential elements for any summer movie diet.

As Qiaoqiao journeys across the Yangtze River close to the Three Gorges Dam, a contentious structure that threatened small towns and served as the setting for Jia’s 2006 film “Still Life,” Jia’s admirers might experience a bittersweet feeling of déjà vu. This area may evoke memories of his previous characters who faced similar challenges in their quest for love and meaning.

The second part of the movie, set in 2006, showcases Qiaoqiao’s heartbreaking romantic struggles and Bin’s increasing need to establish himself, both separately depicted. Notably, this isn’t the first time Jia has incorporated characters involved in criminal activities into his dramas. As we reach the climax, which unfolds during a time of COVID-related anxiety, their eventual reunion brings about a poignant conclusion. This ending hints at the fluctuation of desire as well as the inevitable impact of time on individuals and nations, symbolizing the relentless wear and tear it imposes.

Not only do Zhao and Li appear changed at the end of “Caught by the Times,” but Shanxi Province itself undergoes a transformation into a region characterized by modern supermarkets, carefully designed pathways, and robots. Rapid technological progress is no longer a far-off concern for China; it has become an immediate menace, relentlessly consuming communities, jobs, and the dreams of Qiaoqiao and Bin along the way. When these ex-lovers meet again after a long time on screen, words are unnecessary to convey their feelings. In this poignant reflection of reality, Jia masterfully encapsulates the essence of the story.

Read More

2025-06-21 00:31

Previous post Watch the new trailer for BBC’s “bingeworthy” returning British series with perfect score
Next post Shahs of Sunset star Lilly Ghalichi files for divorce from same husband for the fourth time