Your Name Engraved Herein is a Taiwanese LGBTQ+ romance drama directed by Patrick Kuang-Hui Liu. Set in the late 1980s, the film follows the emotional and heartbreaking love story between two high school boys, Jia-han and Birdy, during a time of political and social change in Taiwan. As martial law is lifted, Taiwan experiences newfound freedoms, but conservative values still dominate society, particularly within religious institutions. Jia-han and Birdy, both students at a strict Catholic boys' school, develop an intense bond that gradually evolves into something deeper. Their relationship is filled with moments of tenderness and quiet affection, yet they struggle to fully understand and accept their feelings in a world that does not permit them to love freely. Their love is a secret, something that cannot be spoken aloud, yet it defines every aspect of their lives.
Their romance is further complicated by external pressures, particularly from the schoolโs Catholic teachings, their families, and societal expectations. Jia-han is more introspective and sensitive, often questioning the rules imposed upon them, while Birdy is more extroverted and carefree, though he too feels the weight of social constraints. When a new co-ed policy is introduced at their school, Birdy begins dating a girl, seemingly to conform to societal norms. This deeply hurts Jia-han, who feels betrayed and abandoned by the only person he truly loves. The pain of this rejection is palpable, and Jia-han finds himself torn between his devotion to Birdy and the harsh reality that their love is considered unacceptable. Their once-unbreakable friendship starts to fracture under the strain of unspoken emotions, jealousy, and fear.
Despite the distance growing between them, Jia-han cannot let go of his feelings. He wrestles with his identity, torn between the religious teachings that tell him his love is a sin and the undeniable truth of his heart. Birdy, on the other hand, tries to suppress his emotions, choosing a path that seems easier but is ultimately more painful. Their relationship becomes a cycle of longing, denial, and fleeting moments of intimacy that never last long enough. One particularly heartbreaking moment occurs when Jia-han confronts Birdy about his true feelings, only for Birdy to push him away out of fear. This rejection leaves an emotional scar that lingers for years. Jia-han, unable to cope with the pain, spirals into despair, questioning whether he will ever be able to love freely.
As time passes, Jia-han and Birdy go their separate ways, their love story left unresolved. They carry their memories of each other like an invisible burden, forever shaped by the love they once shared but could never fully embrace. Jia-han eventually leaves for Canada, seeking a place where he can live without fear. Yet, even years later, he cannot forget Birdy. When they finally reunite as adults, the passage of time has changed them both, but the unspoken words between them remain. Their meeting is bittersweet, filled with nostalgia, regret, and a lingering love that can never truly fade. Though they have moved on in different ways, their shared past still holds a powerful grip on them, reminding them of the love they once dared to have.
Your Name Engraved Herein is a poignant and deeply emotional film that captures the struggles of forbidden love, self-acceptance, and the pain of losing something that was never given a chance to flourish. Through its stunning cinematography, evocative music, and raw performances, the film tells a story that resonates with anyone who has ever felt trapped by societyโs expectations. It is not just a love story between two boys; it is a reflection of a time when love was constrained by fear, and the journey of those who dared to challenge the worldโs definition of what love should be. The film leaves a lasting impact, reminding us that some names, once engraved in our hearts, can never be erased.
