Memoir of Rati

A good standard series

Overall I enjoyed watching this. The acting, story line and overall experience was good but in the end it did fall a little flat of my expectations.

I especially enjoyed the ending of this series, it was very fulfilling and satisfactory. During the other episodes there were some really good moments but that's what they were, moments. I was left to yearn for a deeper story, more of that something I felt was missing. Regardless, the sweet and well-made moments kept me interested throughout the series instead of getting bored halfway through and the side couple kept me in their grasp.

As a whole it's your standard good show that's a good choice if you need something to spend your time on. In my opinion it was worth the watch even if it didn't quite reach the mark I had hoped it would.

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I enjoyed this period drama . The story actually had a plot with a little bit of complexity. The various attitudes toward a homosexual relationship were realistic for this time period. I liked that the main couple and the second couple respected their partners opinions. The main couple seemed to normally kiss with almost a detached peck on the cheek type attitude. The secondary couple kissed with some real passion. It's worth a rewatch. I almost couldn't breathe when the count ignored the professor at the end of the series as if he had grown indifferent to him. Thank goodness it was a misunderstanding and they still both loved each other deeply.

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A drama so beautiful and serene

It had it's beauty and flaws but more or less it brought me to the era of Siam from the history books and every moment felt like I travelled back in time of peace and tranquility. I wished it had a little more tragedy at moments.

This is in my opinion the best plot from GMMTV this year. I love a well made periodic drama. I did wish to see more of the Thai French relationship on a political level, that would have enhanced the historical dimension of the plot even more. This drama is made for more mature mind. The story of Siam's relation with foreign countries back in the day, how love in any form other than the generalized one wasn't accepted and how the commoners and elites were divided by the classism. Each character truly felt human and alive . They were closest to the real world people unlike the imaginary characters we see in dramas. Couldn't help but a little lingering feeling for the ending. It was almost perfect but few things could have been done in a little more refined way at the last episode.

Cinematography was truly mesmerizing. It was slow and sedate. In a period of no rush and no modern facilities, it truly felt like I was brought back in time to a whole different world. Knowing a little Thai made it even more enjoyable to hear the old Thai pronunciations. Every scene was caught beautifully. Some times it did felt a little empty on the scenes. I felt as if there could have been a little more added to each scenes.

Acting wise this is definitely GreatInn and AuoBoom's best acts yet and I am snot arguing on this. This was tough to act. To understand a character from a century ago, speaking French without knowledge of the language, speaking old time Thai, defining things with expression that will go along with the character so different from their usual selves. They did fantastic job. Kudos to the rest of the casts for the amazing work they did. Each character and cast felt in perfect sync. Truly amazing.

It was definitely worth watching. In the era of rush and bustle a drama like this makes me appreciate the world a a little more. If I could I wish to travel back in time and be the Rati to someone.

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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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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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Piercing the Bubble: The Disruptive Realism of 'Memoir of Rati'

My journey as a BL enthusiast began in an era when the genre could barely be named, taking refuge under the label of homoeroticism. For me, especially in novels, it has become a sanctuary, an essential escape from a work life where reality is often chaotic and disappointing. BL is my personal utopia; if the academic definition speaks of "an imaginative representation of a future society conducive to human well-being," I would unhesitatingly define it as a utopia designed for women—in a manner analogous to how most mainstream entertainment operates: by prioritizing and celebrating the male gaze and taste.
It is precisely for this reason that Memoir of Rati (GMMTV 2025) emerges as a meticulously conceived work, steeped in a classic atmosphere that is palpable in every detail —from the set design and soundtrack to the costumes and performances. The series abruptly pulls us out of the characteristic utopian universe of BL, where conflicts are usually confined to misunderstandings, love triangles, or the appearance of a vengeful ex-partner, and plunges us into a historical period of wartime and colonial conflicts. In this narrative, the characters confront head-on the social incomprehension and tangible risks that a BL relationship entails, both in the past and the present, starkly reminding us that love does not always blossom within the shelter of a bubble.
It is a deliberately slow-paced narrative, though its conclusion may seem rushed. That said, it is loaded with moments of extreme tension and injustice, which explains why many viewers might feel reticent to watch it. My recommendation is to give it a chance with its first two episodes. Only then will one understand why the opening song speaks of a "miracle" (https://youtu.be/qxBmzCnwJcE?si=h98cVsxJBOLct0f_). That very understanding may be the hook that draws you in to watch the rest of the series.
It is a genuine shame to have discovered this "ship" just as it was ending, but there is a poetic consolation in seeing its protagonists in one final, brilliant collaboration. With a mix of nostalgia and joy, I now immerse myself in a new world: I am ready to begin Wandee Goodday (GMMTV 2024).

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Memoir of Rati — Everything I Love About Historical BL

Historical BLs have always had something special for me. When they're done well, they offer much more than a romance. They transport you to another era, immerse you in another culture, and make every glance and every touch feel more meaningful because society itself stands against the characters. Memoir of Rati does exactly that, and it's one of the reasons I fell in love with it from the very beginning.

I had already told you how much I love Great Sapol and Inn Sarin as a pairing, and this drama only confirmed it. They have the kind of chemistry that doesn't need exaggerated dialogue or constant physical intimacy. A simple look between them often says more than an entire conversation. Their relationship grows naturally, making every emotional moment feel completely earned.

The story is beautiful because it isn't just about two men falling in love. It's about duty, family, social expectations, and choosing happiness when the entire world tells you not to. Setting the story in early twentieth-century Siam gives the romance an additional layer of tension, making every decision the characters make feel important. Rather than using history as decoration, the series makes it an essential part of the narrative.

The production is simply stunning. Every location, every costume, and every carefully framed shot feels like it belongs in a period film rather than a television drama. The cinematography constantly enhances the emotion of each scene, while the music perfectly complements the atmosphere without ever overwhelming it. It's one of those rare productions where you can see the care that went into every visual detail.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Nobody feels like they're only there to fill the screen. Every important character contributes something meaningful to the story, creating a world that feels alive beyond the central romance. That richness makes the drama even more immersive and gives greater emotional weight to the choices the protagonists have to make.

Final Thought

Memoir of Rati is everything I hope for when I start a historical BL. It tells a beautiful love story without forgetting the world surrounding its characters, it looks absolutely gorgeous from beginning to end, and Great Sapol and Inn Sarin once again prove why they're one of my favourite pairings. This is the kind of series that reminds me historical romances can be just as powerful as modern ones—sometimes even more so.:::

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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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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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