The coming-of-age Taiwanese love story is already a turning point for Taiwan by being the country’s highest grossing LGBTQ-themed film ever. The film, directed by Liu Kuang-hui, was released in cinemas one and a half year after Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage.
Tseng Jing-hua as Birdy and Edward Chen as A-han
Your Name Engraved Herein begins in the summer of 1987, when martial law is lifted in Taiwan. In an all-boys catholic school, young A-han (Edward Chen) and Birdy (Tseng Jing-hua) develop a deep connection that leads to something more. However, the future of their romance seems hopeless as the society, at the time, is non-tolerant of queer people.
The drama gives a bit of insight into Taiwanese history, however, nothing is spelled out – do not expect a lot of exposition. The visuals and the tense feelings portrayed through the characters are enough to give you an understanding of the regime that had been.
Director Liu – also known for rom-com 22nd Catch (2016) – explained to Time that main character A-Han’s story is heavily based on his own, stating that his intention was to make a personal film, for he too fell in love with another boy at the wrong time in Taiwan’s history. Lui continued by saying that he felt ‘sorrowful because for the people from my generation … it may be too late for them’, and that he wanted to ‘highlight some of the unfortunate stories that may have come too early so they didn’t get to see the celebration that we see today’.
The film does not focus on the good times, and does not show explicit details of their relationship, but explains the depth it has gone to through dialogue and intimate interactions between the two. What holds you by a grip, yet devastates you, is how the two take on opposite standpoints in the face of their environment and reality. Birdy is composed and uptight as he is holding back, while A-han is more open, determined and yearning. Desperations and sadness is the surroundings for much of the film, yet there are still nice moments.
There is an almost theatrical feel to the sets and certain scenes that make you feel that nothing exists outside of the screen. This might at first appear odd if you are more used to the surrounding, immersive worlds you can find in Hollywood films. However, it does seem to have the same effect, if not more immersive – only what you see exists as, with an engaging classical score, the full attention is given to the interaction that is taking place. Noteworthy, there is a handful of enjoyably decorated and framed shots.
Edward Chen and Lin Hui-Min in Your Name Engraved Herein
Scenes including side-characters are mediocre, both in acting and direction. However, Tseng’s and Chen’s characters are always immersive, saving most of the slightly awkward scenes. The two talk about the long bonding-process they were made to go through before the production of the film in an interview with NewShowBiz which explains that they lived together for 2 months to improve their chemistry. Notably, Leon Dai also gives a heartwarming performance as the grown-up A-han.
Leon Dai as A-han
Enticing? Yes. Masterpiece? Perhaps not. It may remind you a bit of the Oscar-winning Moonlight (2016, Jenkins), in terms of the alienation the characters feel, as well as their dysfunctional love-lives. However, Your Name Engraved Herein is definitely worth a watch due to its achievement, and also you may learn something about Taiwan’s history. Available to watch on Netflix.
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