Sideshow and Janus Films Acquire U.S. Rights
Sideshow and Janus Films have secured U.S. distribution rights for Caught by the Tides, directed by renowned Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhang-ke. The film premiered at Cannes this year, receiving strong reviews. The two distributors announced plans to release the film exclusively in theaters soon.
A Journey Across Two Decades
Caught by the Tides mainly consists of improvisational footage captured across China over 25 years. This unique approach allowed Jia to sculpt a narrative from hundreds of hours of footage taken during China’s pandemic shutdown.
Echoing Realist Aesthetics
In this film, echoed through his previous works, Zhao stars as Qiaoqiao, chasing her runaway lover Brother Bin (played by Li Zhubin). Jia’s technique has been praised for its realistic portrayal of Chinese society’s transformation.
Comparisons to Richard Linklater’s Approach
Many critics noted that Jia’s expansive temporal portrait in Caught by the Tides is reminiscent of Richard Linklater’s Boyhood. However, Jia’s narrative also captures the socio-economic evolution of modern China over time.
Zhao Tao as Muse and Collaborator
Zhao Tao, who has often collaborated with Jia, profoundly shapes his storytelling. Her contributions help convey emotions with depth and authenticity. There’s a current that runs through humanity, so you can make them understand human feelings
, said Zhao in an interview.
Sideshow and Janus Films’ Statement
The distributors expressed their excitement: We are thrilled to bring this to American audiences in the coming months
. They highlighted the collaboration between Jia and Zhao as a significant factor in the film’s success over two decades.
