Jia Zhangkes Caught by the Tides Premieres in the US After Cannes Debut

Sideshow and Janus Films have acquired the U.S. distribution rights to Jia Zhangke’s latest feature Caught by the Tides, after its much-anticipated premiere at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Viewers in the U.S. can look forward to seeing the film in theaters shortly.

The film, composed almost entirely of improvisational footage collected over nearly 25 years, stars Zhao Tao and Li Zhubin. It explores themes of transformation and resilience as Zhao Tao’s character Qiaoqiao embarks on a cross-country pursuit of her runaway lover, Brother Bin.

Improvisational Footage Across China

Caught by the Tides is composed of improvisational footage that Jia Zhangke shot across China amidst a period marked by great change. The narrative materializes from hundreds of hours of footage collected during China’s extensive pandemic shutdown, engineered into a powerful storyline.18 May 2024

A Compelling Narrative through Time

Similar to other Jia Zhangke works, Caught by the Tides features Zhao Tao. The film showcases a combination of traditional and contemporary Chinese music while exploring themes akin to Richard Linklater’s Boyhood. Yet, unlike Linklater’s depiction of personal growth, this film illustrates the evolving landscape of modern China.

A Unique Experience Through Zhao Tao’s Eyes

Jia Zhang-ke is one of the twenty-first century’s most important filmmakers and with Caught by the Tides he delivers what will surely be considered one of his great films, commented Sideshow and Janus Films. They emphasized Zhao Tao’s performance, highlighting over two decades of collaboration between her and Jia that culminates in a captivating scene marking their professional journey together.

An Emotional Journey Through Cinematic Arts

The movie immerses viewers down an emotional tidewave. Audiences witness how modern-day China tests the characters’ love and determination as they navigate tumultuous transformations similar to natural tidal movements. Tides are one of nature’s most reliable phenomena, said Neil Dixon from NWS Charleston, connecting deeply with Jia Zhangke’s storytelling approach.