Your Name Engraved Herein

Movie Trailer

Release Date
September 30, 2020

Genre
Romance, Drama, LGBTQ+

Cast & Crew

• Edward Chen as Chang Jia-han (A-han)
• Jing-Hua Tseng as Wang Bo Te (Birdy)
• Leon Dai as Father Oliver
• Fabien Yang as Banban
• Wang Ko-Yuan as Andrew
• Mimi Shao as Zhen Xiu Mei

Director
Kuang-Hui Liu

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Visage (2009, producer)
• Step Back to Glory (2013)

Producer
Arthur Chu, Li-Kong Hsu, Hao-Rong Liu

Writer
Kuang-Hui Liu, Jiho Chang

Budget
$1 million (estimated)

Production Company
Portico Media, Oxygen Films, Mandarin Vision

Running Time
114 minutes

Languages
Mandarin

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Mature themes
• Sexual content
• Strong language

Movie Story
“Your Name Engraved Herein” is a poignant and beautifully crafted romance drama that tells the story of two teenage boys, Chang Jia-han (A-han) and Wang Bo Te (Birdy), as they navigate their burgeoning feelings for each other in the conservative and tumultuous society of late 1980s Taiwan. Set against the backdrop of Taiwan’s transition to democracy, the film explores the deep emotional and societal struggles that come with discovering one’s sexual identity in a world that is not yet ready to accept it.

The story begins in 1987, shortly after the end of Taiwan’s martial law, a period marked by political unrest and social conservatism. A-han and Birdy, students at a Catholic high school, form a close friendship that gradually deepens into something more. As their bond grows stronger, they find themselves grappling with their feelings for each other in a society that condemns homosexuality. The film delicately portrays the internal conflict and societal pressures the boys face as they try to reconcile their love with the expectations of their families, peers, and religious community.

A-han, more introspective and reserved, struggles with his feelings and the fear of societal rejection, while Birdy, who is more outgoing and rebellious, initially tries to conform by pursuing a relationship with a girl. Their journey is marked by moments of tenderness, confusion, and heartbreak as they confront the harsh realities of their world.

“Your Name Engraved Herein” is a deeply emotional film that captures the intensity of first love and the pain of unfulfilled longing. The narrative is rich with symbolism, and the characters’ personal struggles are set against the broader backdrop of Taiwan’s evolving cultural landscape. The film also addresses the influence of religion, family expectations, and the challenges of accepting one’s true self in a society that is still learning to embrace diversity.

Special Effects
The film’s special effects are subtle, with a focus on creating an authentic, period-appropriate setting. The cinematography is one of the film’s highlights, with beautiful, melancholic visuals that capture the mood and tone of the story. The use of natural lighting and carefully composed shots enhances the emotional depth of the scenes, particularly those involving the protagonists’ moments of introspection and connection.

Box Office Performance
“Your Name Engraved Herein” was a significant success in Taiwan, becoming the highest-grossing LGBTQ+ film in the country’s history. It resonated with audiences for its heartfelt portrayal of young love and its exploration of LGBTQ+ themes in a culturally significant context. The film also gained international attention, especially after its release on Netflix, where it was praised for its storytelling and performances.

Filming Locations

• Taipei, Taiwan
• Hualien, Taiwan

Notable Quotes

• “In this world, the hardest thing to change is yourself.” – Father Oliver
• “The moment I fell in love with you, your name was engraved in my heart.” – A-han

Behind-the-Scenes

• The film was inspired by director Kuang-Hui Liu’s own experiences as a young gay man in Taiwan during the 1980s, lending a personal and authentic perspective to the story.
• The soundtrack, including the titular song “Your Name Engraved Herein,” became a hit, contributing to the film’s emotional resonance and popularity.

Awards

• Golden Horse Award for Best Original Film Song (2020)
• Taiwan Film Critics Society Award for Best Film (2021)

Final Verdict
“Your Name Engraved Herein” is a deeply moving and beautifully executed film that offers a heartfelt exploration of first love, identity, and the challenges of growing up in a society that is slow to accept change. Its powerful performances, stunning visuals, and emotional depth make it a standout in the LGBTQ+ genre. The film resonates with universal themes of love and acceptance, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in stories of personal struggle and the triumph of the human spirit.

IMDb Rating
7.3/10