When Jia Zhangke’s Caught By The Tides is Sweeping Into Art House Screenings Nationwide….

Caught by the Tides is a curious film that can be tough to deconstruct. When writer/director Jia Zhangke is assembling bits from his other works, the result can feel like a jumble. He either never had in mind a plan to create this latest movie, or he just wanted to play around. Even I had to check where the footage came from. The movies he pulled from are Unknown Pleasures, Still Life, and Ash is Purest White. I’ve only seen one, but the rest were a mystery.

I suspect the idea for this film comes from the idea that whatever random pieces of celluloid film are from the cutting room floor, he can collect into a tale. The film partially captivated me at times, but, like the receding tide, my interest waned. At least I can appreciate the moment where the protagonists are dancing to Butterfly on Dance Dance Revolution.

When Jia’s wife, Zao Tao, is the star, the role she plays is layered.. As Qiaoqiao, a woman from the factory whose beau, Bin (Li Zhubin), one day disappears, to move from a tired labourer to feeling lovelorn must feel genuine. Her search for him spans a long length of time, and what’s witnessed is basically her quest where the footage from other films is used. The question about what the value of life may well be the core theme of this film. The later acts with a robot moving around was more interesting.

The robot featured in the promotional material made me think I might see a Chinese made Terry Gilliam style film. In some ways, that expectation is there and I wanted more. When the new footage isn’t as recognizable, it’s tough to convey that out-worldly quality that comes and goes with the tide. Yes, the pun had to be used. I suspect this movie is more about how China has changed over time rather than the love story.

While not everyone can appreciate the aesthetic this filmmaker is going for, it’s still worth catching when I’m in the right mood. It works better for a Valentine’s Day release than now. Alternatively, when Cloud Atlas is too much, at least this work is more grounded.

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JUNE 10 Cinecenta (Victoria, BC)

Caught By The Tides Trailer

Author: Ed Sum

I'm a freelance videographer and entertainment journalist (Absolute Underground Magazine, Two Hungry Blokes, and Otaku no Culture) with a wide range of interests. From archaeology to popular culture to paranormal studies, there's no stone unturned. Digging for the past and embracing "The Future" is my mantra. View all posts by Ed Sum