Jia Zhangke's film reflects China's rapid social transformation

Chinese director Jia Zhangke’s new film, Caught by the Tides, showcases the rapid changes in China over the past 20 years. The film combines documentary footage with scenes shot during the making of Jia's earlier films. It centers on a woman named Qiaoqiao, who searches for her boyfriend Bin as he works on the Three Gorges Dam. Caught by the Tides offers a unique look at everyday life in China. It captures not only major events, like the dam's construction, but also small details, such as changing fashion trends. Jia’s approach is quiet and reflective, focusing on the passage of time in a fast-paced world. Jia was born in 1970 and grew up in Shanxi province. He began his filmmaking career in the late 1990s with a trilogy about his hometown. His films often depict the lives of people left behind by China’s rapid economic growth. He is known for using non-actors and shooting in real locations, setting his work apart from mainstream Chinese cinema. His breakthrough came with the film Still Life in 2006, which blended realism and surrealism. The film highlighted how development in China displaced many people. Jia believes cinema has a vital role in preserving memories of the present before they fade away. Caught by the Tides was influenced by the COVID pandemic, which led Jia to revisit years of footage. He described the editing process as “time-traveling.” The film features historical events, like the announcement of Beijing as the host of the 2008 Olympics, alongside scenes of life in modern China. As Qiaoqiao explores the changing landscape, viewers witness transformations in both people and places. The film contrasts older footage with sleek modern visuals, reflecting Jia’s view on the melancholy of historical change. Overall, Caught by the Tides highlights how cinema can preserve memories and celebrate everyday life in a rapidly evolving society.