The images of Jia aren’t as simply deconstructed. In truth, his work encapsulates an apparently endless amount of complex notions that employ literary layers deep within their narrative. In the way that much of his work consists of deceptively basic compositions that conceal multitudes, he could be compared to Yasujiro Ozu, Michelangelo Antonioni, or Hong Sang-Soo. Jia Zhangke is the most well-known member of China’s “Sixth Generation” of filmmakers internationally. The filmmaker has a large body of work under his credit, with roughly a dozen narrative movies and several documentaries under his belt. Below are his 7 Jia Zhangke essential films.
1. Xiao Wu (Pickpocket, 1997)
Cast- Wang Hongwei, Hao Hong Jian, Zuo Baitao
Jia Zhangke burst onto the film scene with a trilogy of thematically and aesthetically connected films. They are bout disgruntled youngsters adjusting to life in China at the turn of the century. His debut feature picture, Xiao Wu, is also one of his most significant. Pickpocket Xiao Wu (Hongwei Wang) is struggling to make ends meet under the weight of a local authority attempting to crack down on small crime. His friends—mostly fellow thieves. They have adapted to more acceptable ways of earning money, but this does not appear to be a possibility for the young man.
2. Still Life (2006)
Cast- Zhao Tao, Sanming Han, Wang Hongwei
Sanming, a poor mine worker from Shanxi. He arrives in the decaying city of Fengjie against the backdrop of the massive Three Gorges Dam engineering project in the fading city of Fengjie. In the hopes of finding his unknown daughter and his ex-wife, Missy Ma, who abandoned him nearly 16 years ago. Meanwhile, Shen Hong, a nurse from Taiyuan, arrives in Fengjie in search of her husband. He has been missing for nearly two years. Despite the fact that Shen and Sanming are complete strangers, their parallel searches for their loved ones represent the pressing need to recover what has been lost in the past. As man is dwarfed by an ever-changing terrain that threatens to bury one’s memories deep beneath the water.
3. Unknown Pleasures (2002)
Cast- Zhao Tao, Wei Wei Zhao, Wang Hongwei
The film follows the interactions of a group of aimless young people in Datong. They sit in front of the TV, rent movies, go to discos, and try to make plans for their uncertain futures. Bin Bin (Zhao Wei Wei) has an emotionally distant connection with his girlfriend (Zhou Quingfeng). He spends much of his time with her in a hotel room watching movies. Xiao Ji (Wu Qiong) develops a crush on dancer Qiao Qiao (Zhao Tao), but the two find it difficult to communicate.
4. I Wish I knew (2010)
The film masterfully blends interviews and historical material with newly shot moments in which Zhao Tao, a regular collaborator, visits the locations in issue to walk among the architecture, people, and the current. It’s also primarily on Shanghai’s film industry over the years. Footage from a variety of films is used to make a point. But it also serves as a method for viewers to learn about the movie. Among those interviewed in the film include Taiwainese New Wave filmmaker Hou Hsaio-hsien and renowned actress Wei Wei. In its assessment of Shanghai films, it established itself as one of the city’s most important films.
5. A Touch Of Sin (2013)
Cast- Lanshan Luo, Zhao Tao, Wang Baoqiang
A Touch of Sin is a big-budget anthology film with four loosely connected storylines from all over China. Each of the four stories is based on terrible real-life news items, yet they are geographically and socially separated. It’s a break from Jia’s usual manner, with stylistic aggression and psychological strain replacing his calm, patient demeanour. Nonetheless, the themes of alienation and industrialization are present, resulting in a harsh critique of modern Chinese society.
6. Mountains May Depart (2015)
Cast- Zhao Tao, Zhang Yi, Liang Jing Dong
The film follows the delicate relationship between Tao (Zhao Tao) and Jinsheng (Zhang Yi) as it evolves and changes through the inevitable passage of time. Jia continues to experiment with his narrative structure in this film, dividing it into three distinct acts, each characterised by a different decade. Mountains May Depart Jia Zhangke delivers on all fronts in May Depart, with crisp, rich dialogue, superbly framed photography, and an ambitious sprawl that few other filmmakers would dare to take on. It’s a phenomenal success in terms of melodrama.
7. Ash Is Purest White (2018)
Cast- Zhao Tao, Diao Yinam, Liao Fan
Guo Bin (Liao Fan) and his lover Qiao (Zhao Tao) are mob bosses who must negotiate their relationship after receiving a harsh prison sentence. As they become victims of the changing world around them, the two gradually drift in and out of each other’s lives as the years pass. Ash Is Purest White deviates from normal crime film norms by avoiding predicted conflicts of violence and vengeance. Instead, it focuses on the idea of self-sacrifice and the harsh passage of time.
