Your Name Engraved Herein poster
#1319 This Week

Your Name Engraved Herein

Your Name Engraved Herein  ·  2020, Taiwan
7.9
4,399 ratings
1
Film
0
Watchlisted
● Completed 🕑 2020

In 1987 when the martial law period ended, two Christian high-school students, Jia Han and Birdy, met at the school band led by a Canadian priest. One day, they were granted a day off to Taipei for the late president’s…

Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Episodes
Reviews (7)

Set in the wake of Taiwan's lifting of martial law in 1987, *Your Name Engraved Herein* is a poignant, coming-of-age romance that captures the raw, aching beauty of first love against a backdrop of repression and societal change. The story follows two classmates at a strict Catholic high school: the quiet, introspective Jia-Han and the rebellious, free-spirited Birdy. When they meet in the school band, an undeniable connection sparks between them—a bond that grows through shared music, stolen glances, and late-night conversations. But their burgeoning feelings collide with the era's deep-seated homophobia, religious guilt, and the constant threat of exposure. As Birdy's lively exterior cracks under pressure, and Jia-Han's silent devotion intensifies, the boys must navigate a world that tells them their love is wrong. More than a simple romance, this film is a soulful meditation on identity, sacrifice, and the courage to love when the cost is everything. Based on a true story, it weaves a lush, melancholic narrative that lingers long after the credits roll, celebrating the resilience of a love that refuses to be erased—even when it cannot be declared.

Episode data is coming soon.

7.9
out of 10
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BH
blossom_heart
January 2025
10/10
I've watched this film five times now and it still breaks me. Jia-Han and Birdy's love story is the most beautiful, heartbreaking thing I've ever seen. Every look, every touch—the actors poured their souls into these roles. The scene where Jia-Han begs to go to hell because maybe there would be understanding there... I sobbed for hours. This isn't just a movie; it's a love letter to everyone who ever had to hide who they loved. A masterpiece.
PP
plot_police_99
March 2025
6/10
I appreciate the emotional weight, but the storytelling feels disjointed. The flashback structure adds confusion rather than depth, and Birdy's character shift midway feels abrupt and underdeveloped. The ending, while poignant, is too neat for the chaos that preceded it. It's a beautiful mess, but a mess nonetheless. I wanted more narrative cohesion.
LA
lens_and_light
December 2024
9/10
Visually, this film is a dream. The warm, golden hues of the 80s Taiwanese landscape, the soft focus on intimate moments, the way the camera lingers on faces—every frame is meticulously composed. The shower scene is a masterclass in showing without exposing, using shadows and water to convey vulnerability. The cinematography alone makes this a must-watch for any visual storyteller.
MM
melody_matters
May 2025
10/10
The soundtrack is everything. The titular song 'Your Name Engraved Herein' still gives me chills every time it plays. The mix of a classic Taiwanese pop song and the new theme perfectly bridges the past and present. In the climactic phone call scene, the music swells so perfectly that it amplifies the pain tenfold. I've had the album on repeat for weeks. Music and emotion, intertwined flawlessly.
CE
critical_eye_social
August 2024
7/10
As a queer Asian, this film resonated deeply, but I have to talk about consent. The scene where Jia-Han is comforted by an older man and then assaulted—while artistically handled—feels exploitative and unnecessary. It undermines the central love story and reduces trauma to a plot device. The film also sidesteps deeper critique of the Catholic church's role in queer oppression. Still, it's a powerful, necessary story told with care—just not without flaws.
RT
real_taiwan_stories
October 2024
8/10
Knowing this is based on a true story makes every scene hit harder. I read the director's interviews about how the real Birdy and Jia-Han inspired this—the raw honesty of their experience translates beautifully. My only gripe is that some crucial moments were left on the cutting room floor; I wanted more of Birdy's perspective to fully understand his decisions. Still, a faithful and moving tribute to a love that survived against all odds.
LT
love_through_time
November 2024
9/10
This film made me feel like a teenager again, experiencing first love all over—with all its confusion, joy, and devastating heartbreak. The chemistry between the leads is electric, and the historical setting adds an extra layer of tragedy because you know society is against them. I cried from the middle onward. It's not perfect, but it's perfect for what it needs to be: a testament to love that defies time.