What Is Our Times About?
The premise of Our Times in 277 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a bustling Taipei that hums with the rhythm of everyday worries, the story follows Lin Truly, an earnest office worker whose life feels confined by routine. One quiet evening, a treasured cassette of an Andy Lau classic pulls her back into the hazy glow of her teenage years, inviting the audience to glimpse the world she once inhabited and the feelings that have lingered beneath the surface.
The film then opens the doors to a lively high‑school setting where Lin Truly is a bright‑eyed student discovering the thrill of first crushes and the comfort of close‑knit friendships. Surrounded by the vibrant energy of hallway chatter and schoolyard games, she navigates the usual hierarchy of popularity, dreaming of the charismatic classmate who seems just out of reach while sharing laughter and secrets with two steadfast companions.
Among those companions, Hsu Tai‑yu stands out as the school’s rough‑around‑the‑edges figure, whose tough exterior masks a deeper yearning for acceptance. At the same time, Tao Min‑min embodies the effortless charm of the most sought‑after girl, exuding confidence that both inspires and unsettles those around her. The interplay between these personalities creates a delicate dance of rivalry, support, and unspoken longing, hinting at the complexities that often accompany youthful ambition and the search for identity.
Rendered with a warm, nostalgic palette and underscored by nostalgic pop melodies, the movie balances humor and heartfelt moments, capturing the bittersweet essence of growing up. It invites viewers to reflect on how the choices and connections of adolescence echo into adulthood, all while leaving the details of each character’s journey hinted at but unresolved, promising an emotional payoff that lingers long after the credits roll.
What Happens in Our Times?
The complete story of Our Times, from the first scene to the last, in 721 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In this heartfelt film, we follow the journey of Lin Truly, an ordinary office worker whose name reflects her sincere and diligent personality. Her life is filled with daily stresses and pressures that often leave her feeling overwhelmed and overlooked. One nostalgic moment involves her listening to an old cassette recording of an Andy Lau song, which transports her back to her high school days—an era when she was a simple, carefree girl idolizing the famous singer and living without worries. During those youthful years, she had a crush on Ouyang Fei-Fan, the popular boy at school, and was supported by her two close friends, creating a world filled with innocence and hope.
The story takes a turn when young Lin, at just seventeen, receives a mysterious chain letter warning of disaster unless she passes it along. Naively, she shares it with several classmates, including Hsu Tai-yu, a notorious school gangster portrayed by reza-davoudnejad, her math teacher, and Tao Min-min, the most popular girl in school, played by pegah-ahangarani. Soon after, Hsu Tai-yu gets hit by a car, which sparks a series of events that draw Lin into a complicated web of relationships and conflicts. Desperate to protect her friend Ouyang, Lin tricks Tai-yu into becoming her ally by revealing her knowledge of his past.
Through her investigations, she uncovers that both Ouyang and Tai-yu were once close friends, torn apart by a tragic event that led Tai-yu to turn to a life of crime. Driven by her feelings and a desire to help him, Lin challenges Tai-yu to a roller-skating race, where the stakes involve a request from the loser. With perseverance, she wins the race and uses this moment to encourage him to rediscover his true self beyond the gangster persona. Her words deeply move Tai-yu, prompting him to improve his conduct and even study alongside Lin Truly. A genuine understanding begins forming between the two, evolving from friendship to something more tender and romantic.
As their relationship deepens, Tai-yu surprises everyone by placing tenth in the school’s mock exams—an achievement that highlights his personal growth. However, the journey remains fraught with challenges. When the school’s new director suspectingly accuses Tai-yu of cheating, he is unfairly punished and collapses from heat stroke during a grueling punishment run. This injustice fuels Lin Truly’s activism, inspiring her to rally students to protest against the director’s unfair treatment, culminating in a school festival protest that results in positive change.
Their bond solidifies during a school camping trip, where both promise to never forget each other, even as they prepare to part ways after graduation. Just before Lin Truly’s birthday, she receives a special recording from Tai-yu, secretly left for her to listen to after her university entrance exam. On her birthday, she hopes to see Tai-yu again and gets him to sign her yearbook, only to be heartbroken when dino-lee’s character, Ouyang Fei-Fan, reveals that he is now together with Tao Min-min. Despite her feelings of devastation, she congratulates them and quietly breaks down.
Later, Tai-yu discovers he has a dangerous blood clot, a lingering injury from the accident. His parents decide to send him abroad for treatment, cutting off contact with Lin Truly. After completing her exams, she finally listens to Tai-yu’s recording, where he confesses his enduring feelings for her, despite their complex history. He encourages her to remember him always in her heart, closing the chapter on their youthful love.
Decades later, Lin Truly, having left her job and her previous relationship behind, encounters an unexpected opportunity when she attempts to buy a ticket for an upcoming Andy Lau concert in Taipei. Fate takes a twist when she bumps into Andy Lau himself, who, recognizing her admiration, provides her with a contact that can secure her access to the concert. On the day of the event, she makes a call to that contact, which unexpectedly turns out to be jerry-yan’s Hsu Tai-yu, alive in a different form, fulfilling the promise made in their youth.
This poignant story beautifully captures themes of nostalgia, growth, love, and the enduring power of dreams, illustrating how early connections and heartfelt promises can shape our lives—even decades later. Each character’s journey reflects a blend of innocence lost and rediscovered, all set against a backdrop of music, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Our Times Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Introduction to Lin Truly's Present Life” to “Present Day Reflection and Reunion”. 13 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Introduction to Lin Truly's Present Life
The film opens with Lin Truly working as an office worker, leading a stressful and mundane life. She listens to an Andy Lau song, which triggers memories of her high school days, reflecting her sincere and hardworking nature. Her current life contrasts sharply with her carefree past, setting the stage for her nostalgic journey.
When:Present day
- 2
Flashback to High School Days
Lin Truly reminisces about her high school life as an ordinary girl who idolized Andy Lau and enjoyed a simple, carefree existence. She had a crush on Ouyang Fei-Fan and had two close friends, highlighting her innocence and youthful idealism. The flashback introduces the key characters and the nostalgic tone of the story.
When:Seventeen years old Where:High school
- 3
Receiving the Chain Letter
Lin Truly receives a chain letter warning of doom if she doesn't pass it on. Out of innocence, she shares it with Hsu Tai-yu, a notorious gangster, and Tao Min-min, the popular girl. Hsu Tai-yu's reaction to the letter leads to him getting hit by a car, which becomes a pivotal event.
When:During high school Where:School
- 4
Hsu Tai-yu's Revenge and Partnership
After recovering, Hsu Tai-yu forces Lin Truly to become his 'friend' and run errands for him, effectively making her his errand girl. Meanwhile, Lin Truly overhears Tao Min-min and Ouyang Fei-Fan secretly dating, which deepens her feelings of loneliness and sets her quest for understanding.
When:After the car accident Where:School
- 5
Discovering the Past
Lin Truly uncovers that Ouyang and Tai-yu were once close friends, and learns about the tragic death of their mutual friend, which caused Tai-yu's withdrawal from school. This revelation humanizes Tai-yu and prompts Lin Truly to try to change his outlook.
When:Later in high school Where:School
- 6
The Roller-skating Race and Reconciliation
Lin Truly challenges Tai-yu to a roller-skating race, winning and using the opportunity to ask him to return to his former self. Inspired by her words, Tai-yu begins to improve his behavior, study, and slowly opens up to a different path.
When:During high school Where:School grounds
- 7
Growing Closer and Romantic Feelings
As their friendship develops, Lin Truly and Tai-yu spend more time together, understanding each other's struggles. Lin Truly begins to develop romantic feelings for Tai-yu, and Tai-yu's academic improvement surprises everyone, including their skeptical teacher.
When:High school years Where:School
- 8
Conflict with the School Director
Tai-yu is unfairly accused of cheating during exams and punished by the school's director, leading to his collapse from heat stroke. Lin Truly protests his treatment, and together, the students stage a protest during the school festival to demand fairness.
When:During high school festival Where:School
- 9
School Festival Protest
The students, led by Lin Truly, intentionally commit minor offenses during the school festival as a protest against the authoritarian director. Their actions prompt the principal to reconsider and eventually make concessions, highlighting the power of student activism.
When:School festival Where:School
- 10
Camping Trip and Promises
During a school camping trip, Lin Truly and Tai-yu promise to never forget each other after they graduate, emphasizing the deep bond formed between them. This heartfelt moment underscores the significance of their friendship and unfulfilled romantic feelings.
When:Upon graduation Where:Camping site
Show the other 4 events of Our Times Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Birthday and Confession
On her birthday, Lin Truly receives a heartfelt recording from Tai-yu, expressing his feelings and asking her to remember him. She seeks to get closer to him, but is surprised to learn that Tai-yu is now with Tao Min-min, leading to her emotional breakdown.
When:The day before her birthday Where:Outside school
- 12
Tai-yu's Health Crisis and Departure
Tai-yu discovers he has a brain blood clot caused by past accidents and his violent lifestyle. His parents decide to send him overseas for treatment, severing contact with Lin Truly and leaving their future uncertain.
When:After high school Where:Hospital and abroad
- 13
The Final Recording and Love Confession
After exams, Lin Truly listens to Tai-yu’s recorded message, where he confesses his feelings and admits he still loves her. Despite their promises, circumstances separated them, but his words remain a poignant reminder of their love.
When:Post-university exams Where:Present day
- 14
Present Day Reflection and Reunion
Lin Truly, now an adult, leaves her job and romantic relationship to rediscover herself. She encounters Andy Lau and, through a contact from Tai-yu, reunites with him outside a concert, fulfilling their childhood promise in a heartfelt ending.
When:Present day Where:Taipei, outside Andy Lau concert
Who Are the Main Characters in Our Times?
4 characters, among them Lin Truly (Joe Chen), Hsu Tai-yu (Jerry Yan) and Ouyang Fei-Fan (Dino Lee): who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- LT
Lin Truly (Joe Chen)
A diligent and sincere office worker, Lin Truly's childhood memories inspire her to revisit her past. Her character embodies innocence, introspection, and emotional resilience as she navigates love and self-identity. Her journey underscores the importance of rediscovering oneself after life's setbacks.
- 🌸 Heartfelt
- ✨ Reflective
- 🧠 Resilient
- HT
Hsu Tai-yu (Jerry Yan)
A former popular student turned gangster, Hsu Tai-yu struggles with his past trauma and seeks redemption. His character embodies complexity, vulnerability, and the desire for genuine connection. His relationship with Lin Truly reflects themes of transformation and forgiveness.
- 🔥 Troubled
- 💪 Redeemed
- 🥀 Sensitive
- OF
Ouyang Fei-Fan (Dino Lee)
A kind and popular student, Ouyang Fei-Fan serves as a symbol of youthful innocence and unrequited love. His relationship with Tao Min-min and connection to Hsu Tai-yu highlight the nuances of friendship and romantic feelings during adolescence.
- 🎶 Charismatic
- 🤝 Loyal
- 💭 Hopeful
- TM
Tao Min-min (Dewi Chien)
The popular girl in school who secretly dates Ouyang, Tao Min-min's character reflects the complexities of teenage relationships and social dynamics. Her love story with Ouyang adds emotional depth to the narrative.
- 💃 Popular
- 💔 Secretive
- 🌟 Ambitious
Where and When Is Our Times Set?
Our Times is set in Taipei and High School (Present day, 1990s and early 2000s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Present day, 1990s and early 2000s
The story spans from the late 1990s to early 2000s, capturing the era's cultural and social atmosphere. This period was marked by economic growth in Taiwan, with a focus on youth identity, personal aspirations, and changing social norms. It also reflects a nostalgic look back at high school life and the enduring impact of childhood memories.
Where
Taipei, High School
The movie takes place primarily in Taipei, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, known for its bustling streets, modern architecture, and lively university culture. High school settings also play a crucial role, representing a place of growth, friendships, and youthful dreams. These locations underscore the transition from adolescence to adulthood within a dynamic urban backdrop.
- 🏙️ Urban
- 🎓 Educational
- 📚 Youthful
What Are the Themes of Our Times?
2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love & Friendship and Personal Growth.
-
01
Love & Friendship
The film explores the deep bonds of friendship and romantic love formed during adolescence. It highlights how youthful relationships can be complex, filled with unspoken feelings, jealousy, and heartfelt promises. The movie emphasizes that true love involves understanding, sacrifice, and growth over time.
-
02
Personal Growth
Central to the story is the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and maturity. The characters face challenges that prompt them to reflect on their values, confront their fears, and evolve from naive students into responsible adults. The movie portrays adolescence as a transformative period that shapes future identities.
What Kind of Film Is Our Times?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A heartfelt and nostalgic journey through adolescence and young adulthood, balancing youthful innocence with the poignant ache of first love, personal struggle, and the enduring power of a promise made long ago.
- nostalgic
- sentimental
- tender
- hopeful
- heartfelt
- reflective
- coming of age
- first love
- high school
- friendship
Content notes: blood clot (illness), unfair punishment, emotional breakdown.
Quiz
How well do you remember Our Times? Test yourself on the story.
