'Caught by the Tides' premieres in Shenzhen

Chinese director Jia Zhangke premiered his latest drama film, "Caught by the Tides," in Shenzhen on Nov. 18, where he engaged with the audience present.

Director Jia Zhangke takes a group photo of the audience attending the premier of "Caught by the Tides." Courtesy of Wishart Media (Quanzhou) Co. Ltd.

Assembled from footage shot over 23 years — a captivating blend of fiction and documentary featuring a cascade of images from previous films, unused scenes, and newly shot dramatic sequences — "Caught by the Tides" is a free-flowing work of unspoken longing, propelled more by music than dialogue as it weaves around the edges of a poignant love story. The film primarily follows the perspective of Qiaoqiao (played by Jia’s wife, actress Zhao Tao) as she wanders through an increasingly unfamiliar country in search of her long-lost lover, Zhao Bin (played by Chinese actor Li Zhubin), who left their hometown of Datong in pursuit of new financial opportunities.

Hong Kong actor Lee Kwok-lun talks with director Jia at the premiere.

After the screening, Hong Kong actor Lee Kwok-lun remarked, “Director Jia’s depiction of people’s inner emotions is fine and accurate. The English translation of the film’s title is perfect. I believe the director is tapping into the zeitgeist and has a very clear understanding of this era.”

Another audience member expressed her deep resonance with the film’s imagery, revealing that she had left her hometown in her youth to seek opportunities in Shenzhen. She emotionally stated, “‘Caught by the Tides’ allowed me to relive the past. After the film is officially released, I will definitely bring my child to the theater to watch it.”

Director Jia responded to the audience, explaining that the editing concept of the film differs from his previous works. It features many montage sections, using music to complement the film’s style and conveying a sense of the Chinese dream that resonates with contemporary times and situations.

Presented by X Stream Pictures (Shanxi), "Caught by the Tides" will be released nationwide on Nov. 22. Joint presenters of the film include X Stream Pictures (Beijing), MOMO Pictures, Huanxi Media Group Limited (Beijing), and Wishart Media (Quanzhou) Co. Ltd.