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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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1Romance 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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This review may contain spoilers
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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This review may contain spoilers
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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Love always finds a way
This is an incredibly beautiful story of falling in love and choosing each other no matter the situation. They’ve always stayed true to each other, even when all hope was lost.The story itself is also touching. The main leads never faltered and conflicts were resolved with grace and devotion. Even with time, duty, and family between them, they chose each other no matter what.
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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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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/82056609Content 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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Better than TNP lol
I love me a good period drama. The production value looks beautiful and our leads are all looking strong in this one but you never know with GMMTV it’s always mainly a miss when it comes to their BLs BUT the latest few have been really good which has left me shook so I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt for this one.Here’s the official trailer: https://youtu.be/o1vKWWNFaTI?si=WASjZipl7bs-Ajv6
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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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Still a Good Watch
It was a decent watch, but it didn’t quite spark excitement for me. Like many BL series currently, it struggled to maintain compelling storytelling throughout. The historical setting gave the plot a unique edge, which I appreciated, but it lacked that signature BL magic—the emotional pull or chemistry that makes the genre shine. Consistency was a major issue; several scenes felt flat when they could’ve been far more engaging. Still, it had its moments and was enjoyable overall. I’d give it a solid 3.5 out of 5.Was this review helpful to you?
