Memoir of Rati

Second Couple Paved the Way but we adore Thee & Rati .

I was waiting for this series eagerly , periodic dramas are always my favourite . This is my first Great & Inn show and somehow they impressed me a lot .

The storyline is good , after watching episode 9 , I changed my opinion about this drama. They portrayed each scene perfectly such as the struggle of LGBTQ couple in this homophobic society. Here Thee is a green flag , the way he always protects Rati ...wow .

Another excellent character is his majesty. He always gives us a calm ,safe environment.

Talking about the second couple Aou & Boom ...agghhhh they stole my heart in the first episode . I was literally skipping everything to watch their scenes . They have excellent chemistry . Their story was completely different too . In this drama , definitely they stole the spotlight .

The cinematography & visuals are top notch . Everything was looking perfect , in this budget GMMTV did a good job .

If you like to watch pure romance then this drama is waiting for you .

( Edited )

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Disneyifed

My overall thought...you saw the title. But outside of that, I think there is such a disconnect for me when it comes to this series, and I was seriously excited about this one. Memoir or Rati showed us a beautiful take on love in a Thai historical setting, but the overall presence of everything: characters, plot, romances, political upheaval, etc., unfortunately did not meet the mark for me.

Let's Dive In.

I want to dive into my statement about this being Disneyifed. Because that's exactly what it feels like. When I was first introduced to the premise of Memoir of Rati, I had so much hope that this was going to be less fluff more grit. Unfortunately, that was the complete opposite. I wanted to see fight, I wanted to see tragedy, especially in an historical piece like this. But, everything, even the more tragic scenes, had this veil of fluff that followed. I didn't hate the comedic parts of this, I think it worked, but it just completely threw me off of what was at stake here. Too many times, when I wanted to feel something for a scene, it cuts into a moment where it's trying to make me laugh. Urgh. And then by the end, everything worked perfectly for everybody, which is completely unrealistic for a setting taking place in 1915 CE. But GMMTV just had to make this happy-go-lucky, just had to make everyone's scenarios so perfect. Personally, I wanted more. A lot more tears and less comedic background music. On top of that, I really disliked the cinematography. I try not to compare every Thai historical BL to one another, but this was so white-washed and dreamy-looking, I hated it.

In my humble opinion, I think this series was rushed, as in, they made this too quickly, and because of that, the plot and the characters fall short. I really think they had an idea what they wanted to happen, and then, because of whatever obstacles or challenges, it just didn't end up being what it was suppose to be. And to also add to my point, some scenes felt like they were oddly cut, or the music would start and then randomly cut, not fade out, or have a smooth transition. I think in all aspects, this was rushed, the editing, the performances from the actors, and the overall plot.

Now, moving onto the plot. I was confused. I won't lie, I have zero idea who anyone was, what their roles played, or how historical Thailand worked. That might've been a me-thing, but I couldn't keep up. Also, with what little time Inn had to learn how to speak French, I personally didn't find it to be just god-awful, but I also don't speak french, so this is coming from a person that could obviously hear the struggle in his voice when speaking french, but I think to learn a language in a short amount of time, he did good. This also goes back to my point of, why not a hire somebody that is Thai who speaks fluent French (i'm sure they're out there somewhere) to play the part. Because GMMTV priorities the actors before the piece of work they're trying to create.

Moving onto the romances: I think they were fine. I think both couples do well, with Aou and Boom coming first. I think there was a giant disconnect for me when it came to Inn and Great's romance. It felt... awkward almost? Aou and Boom performed great, and, even though I wasn't a huge fan of the comedy, it was nice to see them play these funny dudes. I think should've seen more from them, but oh well.

But, don't worry, there was some stuff I liked! Again, I really liked Aou and Boom's characters, and their romance. I did enjoy seeing the wardrobes, especially Thee's outfits, which were immaculate. There are also some scenes that I did find beautifully told, or just beautifully shot. The plot with Rati's aunt is whatI found as the most interesting, especially as we learn that his real mom died and his aunt was the one that raised him.

Rating:

Story: 6.5/10 - Eh. Okay. kinda boring, won't lie. Thee and Rati's romance felt stale and stiff most of the time, also seemed extremely awkward in some cases.

Acting: 8.5/10 I think everyone did well. Nothing spectacular, but good.

Music: 6/10 - Didn't pay much attention to it.

Recommendation Value: 5/10 - I'd recommend only if you just love AouBoom or GreatInn, but otherwise, this historical BL can be skipped. Not even Great's abs could help save this for me.

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Romance so soft, that it forgot to break my heart!!

The drama is set against the backdrop of a war period, and oddly, it feels very light and almost a little too blissful. The central story revolves around Rati, an interpreter from France and Thee, an aristocrat in Siam, and the second couple, Mek and Dech, explores the theme of class divisions in society.

Starting with the positives, the show is screensaver pretty. The wide shots of the river, the whole period theme and cultural touches were to the point and really helped set up the whole mood. You just can't stop taking screenshots.

Another strength of the drama is the chemistry between the two couples.. Rati and Thee are the softest and sweetest things. The moment they saw each other, I felt they knew this was it. It was all sugar, sparkles and heart eyes.
Mek and Dech were very different from them. Their love story felt a bit realistic or less fairytale-ish. I loved their strangers to friends to lovers arc and the intimacy they had. There were no grand gestures here, everything between them just felt natural and meant to be.

But it isn't without any flaws, and ironically, its biggest “strength” also doubles as its downfall. For a story to unfold in such a turbulent period, there was surprisingly very little tension. It felt too polished and happy.
The romance of the main couple was dreamy, and I somehow missed that forbidden love hesitation and tension. Here, that edge was softened and I thought it would pick up in the later episodes once the angst hits but it was lukewarm and all the issues resolved too soon. Don't get me wrong, their chemistry is really evident and good but I was maybe expecting something soul-shattering.
And I got all I wanted in the second couple, but they were not given enough screen time. Their love story had so much potential. Mek was really grounded and Dech has that softer side of him, and every scene we got of them hinted at something deeper than what we see on screen. It was a wasted potential to me.

I felt they played it too safe and far from the reality it was set in. I don't mind bending a little to accommodate the story, but maybe with an ounce of realism. No one in that time period would have gotten away if they acted like Thee or Rati. The build-up around family opposition, social divide and cultural barriers just glossed over the real and required tension.
And while the ending was heart-warming and very GMM style, but it was sadly too neat for this.

Acting-wise, it was very convincing across the board. Great and In had beautiful chemistry, but I really wished we could see them in their angst era more. Aou and Boom were fantastic too and it's about time they get the series as main leads.

Overall, while I did enjoy the overall romance and visuals, I feel the execution fumbled the bag a bit. The themes were crying to be fleshed out more to give us a perfect historical BL without time travel. It's not exactly ground breaking, but it partly does get things right.
Will I recommend it? Yes, I will but think of it more as a fantasy historical drama that doesn’t sweat the historical accuracy.
7.75/10

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Mostly boring and bland with stunning pictures...

As usual that was a top notch GMMTV production with very pretty pictures and overall exceptionell production quality. But as usual for GMMTV it was a very bland and partly boring show. It does cater to the fangirls but I could not care less. Also as usual the side-couple was more fun :)

This thing with french speaking was also a sore irk because they are all not "David Asavanond" (playing Ratis adoptive father) who has a french background and you can't expect someone to learn to speak fluently in three months or so. While they really tried, it breaks the illusion.

The most boring part was the finale... man that was a chore to watch through. So yes, this was a fantasy BL but I did not feel for the characters at all. AomBoom were the comic relief I expected and which made the series more enjoyable. The badies, (Thee's) grandma and (Dech's) father were very two dimensional. There was not much character growth and overall GMMTV had not the balls to make a BL with a bad ending. So they all live happily ever after or so. Besides pretty pictures the show has nothing going for them, so it's an average show in the end.

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A Beautiful Step Back in Time

From episode one, watching Memoir of Rati felt like stepping into a beautiful old dream. 🌙 I love period dramas, no phones, no rush, just peaceful, quiet moments. The early 1900s setting is absolutely stunning, every outfit, every little detail feels authentic. 🕰️🧵 It’s clear so much care went into bringing this world to life.

My two handsome princes, GreatInn are back, and AouBoom are just as charming as ever. 👑💫 Twelve weeks of this story ahead, I’m ready for every second. 💖📺

I was honestly shocked by Thee and Rati’s relationship. I expected rejection from the mother, especially given that same-sex relationships were illegal in 1915 CE. Instead, she embraced them with warmth and understanding. That scene genuinely moved me. What an incredible mother, so open-hearted and ahead of her time.

The cast is stunning, the scenery gorgeous. It’s not a perfect series, some episodes are a bit slow, the plot simple, and nothing extraordinary happens at times. But overall, it’s a beautifully crafted BL that’s well worth watching.

Here is a poem I wrote about the second couple

What is wrong with Dech’s father?
Each time he appears, my heart sinks.
He belittles Rati in the classroom,
humiliating him with every word.
He scorns Rati’s mother for being a kitchen maid,
as if honest work were a sin.
And now, he goes further still,
ordering men to strike Mek,
stripping him of his dignity,
leaving him jobless and broken,
all because he is poor,
all because he dared to stand beside his son.

Yet even through this cruelty, love flickers.
Mek loves Dech. Dech loves Mek.
Two hearts that beat in silence,
but cannot meet in the open.
Mek cannot accept Dech’s open heart,
for the world has made him believe
that he is worthless,
that his love is forbidden,
that a father’s pride is stronger than their bond.
What could be more tragic?

And then the bridge…
that bridge destroyed me.
It was no longer just wood and rope.
It was the space between them,
a fragile line stretched across despair.
Dech reached forward with trembling hope,
Mek stepped back with silent pain.
He pushed away the only light he had,
not because he did not love,
but because he was taught he did not deserve love.
In that moment,
the river carried away more than reflections.
It carried away their hope,
their chance,
their tomorrow.

Dech’s father is the cruelest villain of all.
His arrogance poisons everything it touches.
And I pray, I beg, that karma finds him,
because people like him
turn love into tragedy,
and watching it unfold
brings tears I cannot hold back.

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Standing on the precise centerline of the standard measure.

This is a standard film by every standard, and I mean that as a compliment. It feels like watching characters step out of a novel, with a complete script, well-embodied characters, pitch-perfect emotions, and visually evocative scenes. Everything exists within a standard framework that met my expectations exactly. And as it happens, that was everything I needed from a period film like this.

If you are looking for a romance in the vein of "Romeo and Juliet," with family feuds, tragic partings, and high drama, "Memoir of Rati" is not that film. If you are seeking something emotionally heavier, or a deep dive into history, that is also not the prominent color in this palette. But if you are like me—searching for a breath of fresh air, a palate cleanser, a romantic and poetic love song that is gentle and lilting—stable, following a classic path, delivering visual splendor and telling its story through imagery, then "Memoir of Rati" is precisely the memoir for us.

The love between Thee and Rati blossoms from their very first encounters—if not from the very first moment Thee sees Rati from afar on the pier, his gaze already captured by the young Frenchman. Their love unfolds as gently as sunlight on a river, troubled by little more than small misunderstandings resolved in a moment, or a few situations that allow them to understand each other more deeply.

Perhaps I should be grateful, for the film arrived at the perfect time, after I had sat through a series of rather heavy-hitting dramas and was in need of just such a gentle touch. It strikes the exact chord of my taste for Thai period pieces. I adore the dreamy, poetic feeling of that era; for some reason, the hesitation, the shyness, and the touch of formality from that time easily make my heart flutter. The love between Thee and Rati is one of such romantic stirrings. It is certainly not thrilling, dramatic, or passionately fiery; "romantic" is the only keyword I can think of to describe their love, and it is also the primary atmosphere that envelops the entire film. Every trial or obstacle they face is crafted from the most classic of clichés, and it is this very old-fashioned quality that so deeply satisfied my expectations for a film set in a bygone era.

Speaking of the film's polished craftsmanship, the light, the colors, the flowers and the rivers, the fireworks during the festival, the architecture and the costumes—in short, the entire visual landscape—testify to the filmmakers' dedicated investment. Everything reaches a necessary maturity, and there is no room for debate: the acting is skillful enough for me to perceive the delicate inner stirrings of the characters. This subtlety, fitting for people of that time, bearing their responsibilities with romantic hearts, is a key element in creating such a sincere love story.

Within its nostalgic and vintage palette, the film weaves progressive ideas from a century ago, asserting its humanistic values in a way that feels appropriate for the time it was made, yet not anachronistic to the time it depicts (women have always been strong, regardless of the era's constraints). Although the characters' mindsets felt more "modern" than I anticipated—particularly in their easy acceptance of a same-sex romance—perhaps that issue was never the film's focus. As I mentioned, the romantic element is what takes precedence. And of course, aesthetics and aesthetic pleasure have never been unimportant in cinema. In this case, I see nothing wrong with prioritizing the beauty of nature, of people, and of a historical era above all else. The film may not push the viewer's emotions to their absolute limit, it may not make you weep in sorrow or tremble in fear, but the sublime beauty, with its poetic and romantic qualities, was more than enough for me to feel that aesthetic bliss.

Perhaps that is all that is needed for the "standard" of a good film—everything is measured, just complete enough, perfectly timed, and expertly balanced. Although there are a few regrettable shortcomings that may not fully satisfy every viewer, when the film ends, the feeling that rises above all else—the final impression it left on me—is one of happiness and wistfulness. It is a feeling of being both filled up and having something taken away, that necessary, beautiful emptiness one feels after watching a truly good film.

To speak on what it lacks: the ending follows a well-trodden path of separation and reunion. I can understand why some might have hoped for a tragic conclusion and disagree with the "happily ever after" endings often seen in GMM films. While I won't comment on the five-year separation, I think the happy ending is justifiable. From start to finish, the film's dominant theme has always been one of optimism, a look toward the future. It’s only natural that the ending would open a door to that future, to hope, to a new world. Furthermore, my personal taste doesn't usually lean towards love stories that become sweet too quickly; I prefer hardship and drama, so some parts were less compelling for me. Yet, on the other hand, even though the film is brimming with romance—with the two leads falling in love early on and barely a moment of conflict lasting more than half an episode—it still held my attention. It satisfied me aesthetically, and it still managed to excite me and make my heart flutter. In that, the film has done its job wonderfully.

And so, it is the chemistry and the aesthetic impression that I value most in this film. They delivered the necessary romance, in just the right measure for everything. And that is all that is needed for a good film.

***

(P.S. Besides Great-Inn, whose acting needs no further praise, Aou-Boom also made me understand a part of their popularity. Whatever the reason, I am certain that between them, there is that tension, and also a very lovely spark. They inhabit their roles so well that I never felt disconnected. Their secondary couple storyline doesn't feel forced, it doesn't crowd the main couple, and it serves as an interesting, colorful contrast to the central romance—playful, cat-and-mouse, humorous, and goofy. In short, utterly charming. I have much more faith in Aou-Boom's future series now.)

A final compliment for Inn - suay mak!

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Sticking Around for Mek and Dech, Because the Leads Are Just... There

This series? Honestly, pretty boring. I kept skipping through scenes that felt either irrelevant or just downright dull. The leads have this calming effect—too bad it just made me want to take a nap. Sure, they have some sweet moments and the usual funny jealousy scenes, but the plot? Not my cup of tea. In fact, the side characters are far more interesting and hilariously funny than the leads. Dech and Mek? Now they have chemistry, energy, and a storyline that actually keeps me watching. I just wish Rati and Thee had the same effect instead of putting me in a coma.

=====MAIN COUPLE RATI AND THEE=====

Rati stays in Thailand for a year to help Thai officials learn French, as part of an effort to strengthen the Thai-French alliance. Phi Thee, a marquis in the Ministry of Education, is the one overseeing Rati’s stay. Their love blossoms over time, but it feels too fast. Thee falls hard for Rati and relentlessly pursues him, sometimes forgetting that they live in an era where being gay is taboo. I’m going to be honest—I don’t care about their love story. It’s all sweet, gentle, and yawn-worthy; if you’re expecting some spicy romance or drama that actually moves, nope. Instead, you get a painfully slow love story that feels like a history lesson no one asked for. After fast-forwarding through most of it, here’s what I got: jealousy? Check. Rati's mom's issues? Double check. Thee’s engaged to a woman? Triple check. The fiancé seems very understanding — kind of like that. Grandma doesn’t like that her son is gay (I mean, can we blame her? This is set a long time ago).

Meanwhile, Mek’s dad is out to get Rati. That’s the only part I actually like. He brings all the fun factor and chaos. Honestly, every time Mek’s dad shows up, you know things are about to get wild, and I can’t help but root for his glorious downfall...... because, honestly, the guy’s stupidity is top-tier entertainment.

Rati leaves and returns after 5 years, reuniting with Thee. I really dislike time skips, but GMMTV seems to love them. Do they have CHEMISTRY? Definitely, they do—but it’s so sweet and gentle. The last episode was so romantic. Their love seems to burn forever from the moment they first met.

=====SECOND COUPLE MEK AND DECH=====

The second couple, however, is far more interesting. Mek is a hardworking, lovable character, while Dech is the son of an official who secretly participates in Muay Thai fights. He stands up to his father, calling him out for his wrongdoings, showing a lot of strength and moral conviction. Their love story starts as a friendship and slowly deepens into something more. They become each other’s safe haven, finding solace in each other's presence. They confide in one another about their hopes, dreams, and ambitions, supporting each other along the way. Their love is sweet and genuine, and honestly, that’s what’s keeping me watching. Not going to lie, they make this series so much better. They make you smile like crazy, and I can’t help but enjoy their moments together. Their chemistry is fire 🔥..........

I’m honestly obsessed and wish they got way more screen time. Dech constantly helps Mek improve his life—even when Mek suffers partial hearing loss.—and preps him for a French translator exam. (Thanks, Mek’s grandpa, for being a rare beacon of sanity.) And then there’s Dech’s dad—oh, the villainy! He makes me so mad, but I have to praise the actor. That water scene in episode 11? Pure gold. I felt their love deep in my soul. But real talk—did he seriously use turmeric to scrub Dech’s back? That yellow stain was hysterical. I’m still laughing, thinking about it!

Ahhh, someone get me some water, like AouBoom was serving in the last episode.

=====SOUNDTRACK/PRODUCTION/ACTING========

I don’t know why, but the soundtrack in the last episode was just great. I don’t know why I didn’t notice it before. I liked the costumes and set design for the series—it truly looked like it was set in that time (that's what is looked like to me). I think the actors did a great job, especially the older actors.

=====FINAL THOUGHTS======

Would I recommend the series? Meh, only if you’re here for Mek and Dech. (Let’s be real, I’m just watching for them.) They bring the kind of heat and chemistry the main couple can only dream of—honestly, they’re struggling to keep up. The show seriously lacks that wow factor, but honestly, it’s Mek and Dech’s love story that saves this snoozefest from total disaster.

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Great to put in the background as you get shit done

The story is so gentle, calming and so damn slow.. I "binge" watched the whole thing in 3 days because nothing is happening to keep my attention enough to wait for a week and come back for a new episode......

This is a period drama featuring same sex couples so you would expect a lot angst and hurdle but nope... The main couple is Thee and Rati.. Thee falls for Rati literally at first sight. Rati falls very soon after. They be all up in each others business in all the public places but never really gets caught!!! Considering the time period, affectionate hand holding, longing gazes between two males are scandalous! There is almost no angst in their relationship despite how doomed their situation would appear. Everyone (Thee's father, Rati's mom, the fiancé, the prince and all the attendees) except the two "villains" are very accepting and helpful! And they get a happy ending 👏👏👏👏👏👏

Then there are Mek and Dech. Their story had more going on. Mek is of a lower class and befriends Dech through muay fighting.. They started off as friends and it was interesting to see their friendship grow and then out of nowhere they be smooching???? Umm why though? Personally I felt it would have been better to keep them as friends than lovers. Their story is already interesting enough without pairing them up romantically with such short screen time. Maybe if they had more time on screen, it would have worked better?? 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

I was looking forward to seeing how the relationship between Thee's father and his other family progresses but alas we get none of that! Rati also didn't say bye to his ma when leaving for France and I was side eying him so hard for that.. Also whatever happened to Dech's A-hole father.. like is he in jail? working as a servant? getting beaten to death?? Of course we don't know! Why waste precious time tying up loose ends when you can do time skips and sweep all the questions under the rug??? *smh*

That being said, the cinematography is great.. Rati is so beautiful it hurts... It's all shots after shots of GreatInn being romantic.. So yea, put on the show and catch up on those dishes or fold those laundries you all.. Cause you don't really need to pay attention but still have beautiful and romantic scenes in the background to make you feel single and lonely while you adult! 😹😹😹

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historical romance/drama

Overall: I enjoyed the historical setting (spoiler for the type of ending in a spoiler comment). This is based on the book "Memoir of Rati" (จาฤกรติชา) by P.PICHA which I haven't read and am reviewing the series based on its own merits. Aired on GMMTV's YouTube channel everywhere except Southeast Asia https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb6_2JamS9iM2MJATWfoFPY-piHFDtvEC and Netflix in Southeast Asia https://www.netflix.com/watch/82056609

Content Warnings: fight, blood, past death, bullying, punches, beaten up, non/dub con kisses, past death, attempted murder

What I Liked
- historical setting
- tension/chemistry
- intimacy
- styling
- supportive characters
- Lady Pa

Room For Improvement
- exposition dump to start the series
- unrealistic to volunteer him in episode 1
- the pacing felt slow
- nonsense writing particularly in episode 12/1

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A 12-course meal, where every course is a dessert

If I had to describe this series in three words? I'd choose

saccharine
repetitive
inconsistent


Why saccarine and repetitive?

This show is basically a 12-course meal, where every single course is some kind of dessert, and sometimes you get the same dessert twice.
The thing is, when even the bitter-sweet moments are more sweet than bitter, then the sweetest moments don't taste as sweet as they should. A meal that is only desserts might fill our bellies, but we won't feel satisfied, nor it is nutritious.

To say it clearly: None of this is the actors' fault. They all did their best with what they were given, and there are many moments where the love between Rati and Thee shines -- it's only that there are too many of these sweet moments, and not enough of anything else.

Knowing that this is a GMMTV production, I didn't expect them to use the intriguing possibilities a setting like this provides: The backdrop of the first World War is only used as an excuse to have a French national teach his language to Siamese dignitaries -- while Rati expresses that he is subject to negative scrutiny from Siamese people, this is never actually shown.
That Rati is both of Siamese descent and a French citizen, and is part of two very different worlds, is never used to its potential: France was the only Republic in Europe, and one of the very few Republics worldwide, and with its basic idea of "liberté egalité fraternité" it was an egalitarian society by law, if not in practice, while Siam was still an absolute monarchy, and had only penalized slavery a few years prior to the story.

The subject of classism and also of homophobia in Siamese society is reduced to a personal conflict within the two families of Rati's and Thee's, marking two characters as the evil antagonists, while everybody else stays neutral to understanding or even supportive.

And this reduced potential for external pressure is overshadowed by the saccharine, at times kitschy, relationship between Rati and Thee. As a love story that starts with a "love at first sight" cliché, and then only slowly develops, it is not only overly sweet, with a lot of handholding and gazing into each others eyes, it is also very repetitive. We get at least three different declarations of love and devotion, and after a kiss in episode 5, the relationship regresses to handholding and loving stares again -- you cannot tell me that Rati or Thee, as young men with a sex drive, would not try to find a secluded place for more, and instead wait for months without even doing so much as kiss again, and only sleep together when they are at Rati's mother's place, several episodes later? (A place that is not exactly sound-proof, I might add.) Especially Rati's resistance doesn't make much sense here -- if he accepts that they are both in love and knows that they should try to use their time together, then he should, as a 24 year old man who grew up in cosmopolitan Paris, want to and know how to be physically intimate with another man, and not shy away from touch like a frightened virgin.

The potential disaster of separation and unwanted marriage hangs over the protagonists from the start, and since everything stalls for nine episodes, with Thee's grandmother occasionally popping up to say "MARRIAGE!!" -- the climactic eleventh episode, which should have been the emotional highlight of the drama, full of anxiety and with a feeling of impending doom -- this part feels much the same as everything that came before. To be honest, I was bored at that point, and that episode 12 glossed over Rati's and Thee's feelings of loss and betrayal with a time skip only to proceed with a 40 minutes long sugary ending, did not make anything more interesting.

The story would have profited from a tightening of the pace, and a reduction to maybe six or eight episodes, and if the script had allowed the angst to shine, then this could have been something very special.


Why inconsistent?

The most glaring inconsistencies are around Inn's character Rati. As a young man from Paris, and a man who presumably has been groomed to take on a diplomatic career, he should behave much differently.
Paris was (still is) a cosmopolitan city, it hosted the World Exhibition of 1900, it was a centre for cultural and artistic innovation -- and yet, Rati is excited at the prospect of owning a bicycle, one of the most widely used modes of transportation in the early 20th century? He has never bathed in a natural body of water? He is amazed at the sight and taste of cotton candy? It's just not believable.
Rati, who should have had an education in politics and diplomacy, who should be much more experienced in worldly matters, who, I assume, has studied at a prestigious university and has met people of different countries and classes before -- this Rati behaves more like a sheltered Khun Nhu in more than a few scenes, especially when it's about physical intimacy with Thee (see above). He also at times is very ignorant in matters of society and how it works -- and then he is the one who points out the risks of engaging in a homosexual relationship between a noble and a son of a servant. His character does not make any sense. (Thee, on the other hand, doesn't have much of a character at all.)

Also, some anachronisms: The most obvious one being Thee's car, which is a model that didn't even exist yet in 1915 -- this is what a modern car looked like: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hispano-Suiza_(F)_Type_26_Roadster_von_Flood_1914_(2).JPG. There are a few more minor things, like the telephone in the customs office, and the ubitiquous presence of electricity outside of homes. But the one that should not have happened is the mention of the Chulalangkorn University in 1915/16 -- it was only founded in 1917.



Was it good?
The scenery was nice to look at, both the landscape and the actors, and it was well-filmed and acted. But the overly saccharine relationship, and its non-existent development combined with inconsistencies and missed opportunities for depth, made it feel like I was being force-fed one piece of cotton candy after the other. The only liveliness was provided by the secondary couple's story, which has its own share of multiple issues of inconsistencies and anachronisms.

Did I like it?
I liked it enough to finish it, but that was probably only because I chose a time where my brain wanted to watch something sweet.

Woud I recommend it?
No. Die-hard fans of Inn, Great or the other couple's actors, Boom and Aou, might find enjoyment in watching.

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It's not horrible...but disappointingly it's not the next "I Feel You Linger in the Air" either.

Subjective Gut Rating: 7.75

Objectively, “Memoir of Rati” is not a bad drama. It’s light and sweet, and perfect for those who want to see Great and Inn together again in a period setting. However, I was hoping this could be the next “I Feel You Linger in the Air” that could touch my heart. Unfortunately, “Memoir of Rati” isn’t it and I was disappointed.

Plot
The plot is simple. Two sets of lovers facing familial and societal pressures due to their ‘forbidden’ love. There’s not a lot of angst nor too many evil characters. I was actually quite surprised that there really isn’t a lot happening in these 12 episodes. There are many scenes of the two sets of lovers together and hanging out, and definitely a selling point for their fans. But as a drama, it is rather bland and could probably reduce a couple episodes.

Romance
If you are looking for a sweet and cute romance, this is the right drama for you. There’s barely any angst that could rip your heart out. Everyone is nice, honest and communicative. The main romance blossoms quite early, since we have a love-at-first-sight situation going on, and Thee isn’t shy in showing affection both verbally and in action. Thee is the doting, smitten Mr. Green Flag, and Rati is the more naive and shy Mr. Green Flag. The secondary romance between Mek and Dech is more fun and more innocent. They’re like best buddies until friendship becomes more. Their kisses are few but are better than those from the main leads. Maybe I was expecting a lot more passionate kisses and better sexy scenes.

Acting/Characters
The acting isn’t bad. I think Great did better than when I last saw him in “Wandee Goodday” and he definitely looks handsome in the white uniform, a lot better than in flowery boxing shorts. Inn, Aou and Boom all met my expectations. Aside from a couple ‘villains’, most of the supporting characters are lovely. I’m especially thankful that there aren’t any loud slaves/servants, which typically always show up in a historical lakorn. None of that here and not a whole lot of shouting either.

Production
Compared to “I Feel You Linger in the Air”, this drama pales in comparison. It’s not bad, but the cinematography is not as good and the sets appear simpler. I was quite worried in the first scene of Inn when his face was layered with white and thick foundation. The makeup artists aren’t doing a great job in this drama. Inn and Boom are already pretty pale, and they look whiter here. Aou seems to have a fake/spray tan on him but I do appreciate the drama at least try to darken his skin since he’s a commoner who needs to earn a living. Great probably looks best out of the four of them. At least the costume department did a pretty good job in dressing up the guys in nice clothes.

Would I recommend this drama? Probably if you like the leads, or are interested in a sweet romantic drama in a historical setting.

Would I recommend this drama if you’re looking for something similar to “I Feel You Linger in the Air”? Nope. Unfortunately, “Memoir of Rati” is subpar in almost every single category, especially if you are looking for a good emotional roller coaster. After watching this, it makes me miss IFYLITA even more and I want to rewatch some of my favorite and memorable scenes.

Having said all that, I have a decent time watching “Memoir of Rati”. It’s not the drama’s fault that I was expecting it to be something that it’s not. Therefore, I am rounding up my 7.75 rating to 8.0 instead of down to 7.5. It’s not a must watch but since there aren’t too many Thai historical BLs, it’s worth giving it a shot.


Completed: 9/6/2025 Review #621

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