Our Times
In 1918 Shanghai, Zhong Wan and her classmate Xie Yibai work together to establish literacy classes for dock workers. Their shared commitment to workers' rights and social justice leads them to inspire others and assist He Baoren during a period of significant upheaval. The story explores their evolving beliefs and aspirations amidst the events leading up to the May Fourth Movement.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Our Times yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Our Times (2025) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Read the complete plot breakdown of Our Times (2025), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
The film begins in the present day, centering around Lin Truly, portrayed by Joe Chen, a diligent office worker grappling with the stress of her daily life. The name “Truly” suggests her genuine nature, yet her earnest approach often attracts ridicule from her younger colleagues. In her moments of solitude, she listens to a nostalgic tape of an old Andy Lau song, which transports her back to her carefree high school years. During this time, she idolized Lau and had a crush on Ouyang Fei-Fan, played by Dino Lee, while also cherishing the company of her two close friends.
In a pivotal moment, seventeen-year-old Lin (played by Vivian Sung) receives a foreboding chain letter that warns of dire consequences if she fails to share it. Innocently, she passes the message to Hsu Tai-yu (portrayed by Darren Wang](/actor/darren-wang)), the notorious leader of the school’s gang, as well as to her math instructor and to Tao Min-min (played by Dewi Chien), the most admired girl in school. This act leads to chaos when Hsu Tai-yu is struck by a car while reading the letter. Furious, he coerces Lin Truly into becoming his “friend” and an errand-runner, on the condition that he will leave Ouyang alone.
As fate would have it, Lin accidentally overhears a conversation between Min-min and Ouyang, uncovering their secret romance. Devastated by this revelation, she allies with Hsu Tai-yu, who harbors feelings for Min-min, to scheme against them. Digging deeper into Ouyang’s past, Lin learns from him that he and Tai-yu were once friends—until a tragic event led Tai-yu to withdraw from school, eventually evolving into the school’s feared gangster.
In an unexpected twist, Lin challenges Tai-yu to a roller-skating competition, where the winner earns the right to command the loser. To her surprise, she emerges victorious, prompting her to appeal to Tai-yu to reconnect with his former self rather than the hardened gangster he has become. Touched by her plea, Tai-yu begins to mend his ways, kicking off a transformation that leads him to spend more time studying with Lin.
As time passes, the bond between Lin Truly and Hsu Tai-yu deepens, allowing them to learn valuable lessons about love. Lin starts to develop feelings for Tai-yu, who shows impressive progress by ranking 10th in their school’s mock exam. However, his newfound success is met with skepticism by the school’s new Director, who wrongfully accuses him of cheating, leading to a harsh punishment that nearly costs Tai-yu his health.
Determined to stand up against the Director’s unjust treatment, Lin leads a campaign to raise awareness about the issue, culminating in a rebellious act during a school festival. The students, inspired by Lin’s bravery, partake in a series of light-hearted rule-breaking antics, eventually compelling the Principal to heed their voices.
During a camping trip, Lin and Tai-yu vow never to forget each other after high school. Just before Lin’s birthday, she receives a special recording from Tai-yu intended to be listened to after their university entrance exams. When her birthday arrives, she excitedly grabs Tai-yu to have him sign her yearbook, only to be confronted with the sight of Min-min, who reveals that she and Tai-yu are now a couple. Heartbroken, Lin congratulates them but later breaks down in tears.
In a cruel twist of fate, Hsu Tai-yu learns of a serious health issue due to an injury from the past. As his family plans to send him abroad for treatment, Lin finds herself unable to contact him. Following the university exams, Lin finally listens to the recording where Tai-yu confesses his true feelings for her, despite their promises to pursue Ouyang and Min-min.
Fast forward to the present day, Lin includes this heartfelt journey in her decision to leave her job and reclaim her identity. Yet her fervent desire to attend an Andy Lau concert in Taipei remains unfulfilled. While waiting outside the venue, she is surprisingly reunited with the iconic Andy Lau, who helps her gain entry to the concert. In an incredible twist, she discovers that the contact who can arrange for her to meet Andy Lau is none other than Hsu Tai-yu, now back in her life, ready to finally honor the promise made during their high school days.
Last Updated: June 23, 2025 at 06:03
Ending Explained – What Happens at the End of Our Times?
Still wondering what the ending of Our Times (2025) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.
Nora and Hector’s journey through time leads them to unexpected places. They initially aimed to travel only 15 minutes into the future but instead end up in 2025 due to a malfunction, arriving 59 years ahead. Once in the future, Nora and Hector see how society has evolved—women have more independence, technology has advanced rapidly, and social norms are different. Hector struggles to adapt to these changes, feeling neglected and overshadowed, especially after a viral video shows him criticizing modern society, which hurts Nora deeply. Their differences come to a head, and Nora decides to stay in 2025 because she recognizes her potential to thrive professionally in this new world, while Hector feels stuck in the past and chooses to leave her behind. He leaves a heartfelt note, acknowledging her greatness and her right to pursue her dreams. Nora, heartbroken but determined, chooses to focus entirely on her scientific work, building her career and earning recognition. Thirty years later, she travels back to 1996 and reunites with Hector, revealing that she had secretly built a new time machine, knowing she would want to come home to him. Their love persists, but both recognize the importance of personal growth and the different paths they need to take. In the end, they find that love and science ultimately allow them to reconnect, arriving at a time where they can truly be together—“their time.” The ending emphasizes that sometimes love means letting go, so both can pursue the lives they are destined for, and that true connection can endure across time if both are willing to sacrifice and strive for their shared happiness.
Last Updated: June 24, 2025 at 05:57
Unlock the Full Story of Our Times
Don't stop at just watching — explore Our Times in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Our Times is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Our Times Timeline
Track the full timeline of Our Times with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Characters, Settings & Themes in Our Times
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Our Times. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
