Why this Chinese movie at IFFK took 21 years in the making
'Caught by the Tides,' directed by Jia Zhanke is a rare production that took around 21 years to create. Premiering at Cannes 2024, this film is a testament to patience and storytelling, weaving together past and present in a unique way. Caught by the Tides is part of a trilogy about Qiaoqiao
'Caught by the Tides,' directed by Jia Zhanke is a rare production that took around 21 years to create. Premiering at Cannes 2024, this film is a testament to patience and storytelling, weaving together past and present in a unique way. Caught by the Tides is part of a trilogy about Qiaoqiao
'Caught by the Tides,' directed by Jia Zhanke is a rare production that took around 21 years to create. Premiering at Cannes 2024, this film is a testament to patience and storytelling, weaving together past and present in a unique way. Caught by the Tides is part of a trilogy about Qiaoqiao
'Caught by the Tides,' directed by Jia Zhanke is a rare production that took around 21 years to create. Premiering at Cannes 2024, this film is a testament to patience and storytelling, weaving together past and present in a unique way.
'Caught by the Tides' is part of a trilogy about Qiaoqiao (played by Zhao Tao) and Bin (played by Li Zhubin), two lovers navigating their lives in a changing China. The journey begins in Datong, a setting from Jia’s earlier film Unknown Pleasures (2002), and follows Qiaoqiao as she searches for Bin along the Yangtze River.
This region, transformed by the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, mirrors the dramatic changes in the couple’s lives. The story ends in present-day Datong, where Qiaoqiao and Bin reunite, reflecting on how time and change have shaped them and their surroundings.
'Caught by the Tides' is more than a love story. It’s a reflection on time, change, and resilience. The film was showcased at the 29th edition of the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK). The footage used in 'Caught by the Tides' was shot during the production of Jia’s earlier films, 'Unknown Pleasures and Still Life' (2006), as mentioned by Jia in an interview with Film Comment. This is precisely what sets the movie apart. The scenes, captured over two decades, blend seamlessly with newly filmed footage. Together, they create a rich tapestry that highlights both personal and societal transformations in China.
Qiaoqiao, the lead character, remains mostly silent, adding depth to the story. Her expressions and the visuals speak volumes, showing how much emotion can be conveyed without words. By revisiting old footage and combining it with new material, Jia captures the beauty of transformation and the passing of time.