Rising to overseas fame at 27 with his debut Pickpocket in 1997, Jia established himself as a prolific filmmaker. His top accolades include the Golden Lion at the 63rd Venice International Film Festival for Still Life (2006) in Italy, Best Screenplay award at the 66th Cannes Film Festival for A Touch of Sin (2013) in France, and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 63rd Locarno International Film Festival in Switzerland.

The native of Fenyang in Shanxi province draws heavily on his hometown, and many of his films also star his wife Zhao Tao, whose on-screen presence strikes a balance between serenity, beauty and resilience in the face of adversity. Additionally, his films often concentrate on examining life amid the flux of social change.

Filmed between 2001 and 2022, Caught by the Tides encapsulates all the director's distinctive and stylish cinematic traits.

Incorporating footage from previous films like Unknown Pleasures (2002) and Still Life, the film follows Qiaoqiao, portrayed by Zhao, as she navigates a tumultuous relationship with Bin, a young man she falls in love with in Datong, Shanxi province, but who leaves the city to pursue an ambitious future. It depicts the start of their romance in Datong, and Qiaoqiao's epic journey along the Yangtze River to find Bin, who departs to follow his career ambitions. Their story is interwoven with historical moments, from the displacements caused by the construction of the Three Gorges Dam to Beijing's successful bid for the Olympics.