This review may contain spoilers
Read Rati's Memoir, It's Got Lots O' Tea
This show was beyond sweet. I'm not normally into historical fiction as a genre, especially when it comes to Queer content. Why? Because its always depressing. This however, wasn't that. There was definitely turmoil, homophobia, class debacles, etc. But the show wasn't overrun with it, and there was a happy ending! I loved the backdrop of I believe the 1910's? Seeing the culture and history intertwined into the story was beautiful. Our lead actors were great too, I hadn't seen them paired in anything before. So I'll have to check out their other series as well!Was this review helpful to you?
A Polished Period Drama That Doesn’t Quite Deliver
Even though the series has good actors and looks beautiful, Memoir of Rati doesn’t really reach the level I hoped for. It has some nice moments, but overall the story feels weak and a bit too simple. The series is about a Thai nobleman and a French translator with Thai roots who meet during a difficult political time. Their relationship grows despite cultural and historical differences, and they are forced to make hard choices between love and duty.I really wanted to like this show, especially because I usually enjoy series from this production company. And with Great and Inn in the lead roles—two actors I really like—I expected something much stronger. The acting is actually one of the better parts of the show, and many other viewers agree. The music is also well done and adds emotion in the right scenes.
But unfortunately, the story didn’t live up to my expectations. It’s hard not to compare it with I Feel You Linger in the Air, which also had a kind of Romeo and Juliet feeling but was much more emotional and believable. *Memoir of Rati* felt more like a Disney production—pretty to look at, but too simple in both story and characters. The costumes and locations were nice, but also a bit too clean and soft, like the show was afraid to show anything dark or real.
I also think the characters didn’t feel very real. Their choices didn’t always make sense, and I never really felt their connection in the way the show wanted me to. It’s sad to say, but I don’t think the writers managed to make the characters truly believable.
Still, if you’re a fan of Great and Inn, I think it’s worth watching. Just don’t expect too much. There are a few good scenes, and the actors do their best with what they’re given. In the end, Memoir of Rati had the potential to be something more, but it didn’t quite get there. Beautiful on the outside, but missing the depth it needed to leave a real impact.
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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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This review may contain spoilers
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. Was this review helpful to you?
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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Still a good series, but was expecting something more
DisclaimerWhat I am writing here are my views and thoughts about this series. Some of you may not like it. That does not give you the right to try to come at me with your opinions on why this series should get a higher or lower score and why it is better/worse than I think it is. You have your own opinions, and I have mine. Kindly respect that.
I finished this series last week Friday (05/09/2025), and I am now writing a review for it today (11/09/2025). If you know me, you would know that I and period dramas – we don't mix. Doesn't matter whatever country – I just can't get behind them. For me to give a high score in a time period means that there has to be something very extraordinary and outstanding from the series. I unfortunately did not feel it with this series. And the sad thing was that the main characters were actually good and the storyline sounded promising – but this was just not for me. It started off well, but I personally feel like it was not able to get its footing for it to become an excellent series.
I felt that the secondary characters were the ones who stole this series. I did adore the secondary couple, as I felt that they added more excitement to the plot with their storyline. I do look forward to seeing Aou and Boom in their first starring BL when it comes out. The character who played Great's grandmother was actually good, as I did hate her character and wished her nothing but bad things to come her way. Also, the three characters who played the help added the humour to this series for me as well.
All in all, it was still a good series, but I just felt that something was missing from it for it to be a great series.
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Beautiful love story
I really loved this show. I thought it was really well done. The acting was top notch, chemistry top notch and the script was good too.There were some continuity mistakes in the show (small irrelevant issues), the one that stood out to me was Mek getting hurt by Dech's father, leaving a big wound on the back and a later scene/episode we get a scene where Dech is rubbing Mek's back and there is no scar or wound present at all haha.
Another issue was that the show was very unrealistic and lots of times had to turn my brain off, cause they were kissing and holding hands in public yet had little consequences. Yes homophobia was present but not as bad as it probably was at the time, but it's ok, it's a fictious tv show.
All in all I was pleasantly surprised by the show and it filled the void in my heart left by IFYLITA.
Ps: I'll miss them 🥹
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This review may contain spoilers
Why am I watching?
I know it’s not a documentary, but still! Could we at least have a minimum of coherence, both historically and within the story itself? Early 20th century, with multiple LGBT people more or less openly living their truth? Unthinkable. A male couple holding hands in front of one of their fathers? Unthinkable. A low-class Thai man who’s never been to school—likely illiterate in his own language—yet learns French effortlessly? Unthinkable. Honestly, the story could be transplanted to 2025 without changing a thing. And what a story… it’s so bland! Nothing much happens—just nobles taking French lessons, endlessly repeating “Bonjour, comment ça va?” And unlucky for them, I’m French, so I can confidently say that Inn is not speaking the language at all. No effort there. No more effort in character consistency either, except for Thee, whose determination I appreciate, though it’s hardly believable for the era.Truthfully, the real question is: why am I watching this? I know there’s an audience for this kind of series—a large audience that just wants harmless little love stories—and that’s perfectly fine. Maybe I just need to accept once and for all that GMM is no longer what it used to be: the leader of BL in every sense—scripts, actors, budget… I’d rather stick to my memories: the good series Dark Blue Kiss, Bad Buddy, 1000 Stars, Last Twilight, Friendzone, Sotus (1st season), Be My Favorite, and especially the excellent Moonlight Chicken. From now on, their increasingly identical and overly bland romance series just aren’t for me. In Memoir of Rati, they spare us the classic mutual hair-drying scene (there are limits to how unrealistic they’ll go), but don’t worry—you’ll get it in My Magic Prophecy.
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Truly an amazing historical love story
This is my first time watching a historical love drama and Memoir of Rati knocked it out of the park. The scenery was amazing showing Thailand back then, and the acting was even better. I’m more in love with AouBoom and GreatInn than I’ve ever been, they absolutely nailed their respective roles and I’m insanely proud of the hard work they put in. I recommend everyone to watch this beautiful drama it really has everything you want wrapped in a historic and beautiful scenery. It’s inspiring, it’ll make you laugh, cry and just truly feel whole. I can’t thank the cast and crew of this series enough. Truly my new all time favorite.Was this review helpful to you?
Might not be realistic but beautiful. Sometimes simple is more than enough.
I started this drama cz as someone new to this fandom i didn't know AouBoom were not the main characters of this drama. Although i was not happy about the fact that they were not the leads and u never knew GreatInn i gave it a go and ngl i adore both pairs. The plot might not be realistic in the areas where you can see a lot of people are quite open to accept gay couples and none of the leads are scared of being gay. I'd say it's unique. Usually when it comes to historical gay romance it's either super sad or a sad ending. This drama was definitely not sad. It was slow, beautiful and calming to watch. The best part was it didn't bore me dispite being this slow. I've not watched the ending yet but I've read it's a happy ending and some comments say its a forced happy ending, even if it's true I'm glad they tried something new and actually did a good job at it. "The most beautiful count" was also historical and unrealistic n people had no problem there not sure why it was a problem here.Also I'd like to specially mention how beautiful GreatInn looked in this drama (sadly we'll never see it again). Inn just looked drop dead gorgeous i couldn't take my eyes off him. I liked how they were opposite of each other but in a subtle way. One thought realistically one went with his heart.
As for AouBoom although they had small screentime they stole the show everytime they came on screen. This kinda made me wish for a drama where Boom would play soft boy cz usually he is kinda tough in all his dramas. I feel both their roles were different from what we usually see. Aou the obssessed lover and Boom the one dealing with him🤭
Overall so far I love this drama.
Edit: i finished the drama. The ending is actually pretty good. Not sure what others were expecting from a historical BL. They clearly explained what and how things changed in the 5 year time skip and them moving in together is the best ending they can give us because not only was gay romance illegal but also frowned upon back in the day. If it was a sad ending you guys would have cried about wanting a happy one and when they give you a happy one you guys say it doesn't make sense. Not every historical BL needs to be pure tragic torture like "love in the moonlight" this was good too..i probably liked this much more.
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Very touching
Although the love of the lovers involved is called into question because of class arrogance, traditional stubbornness and greed for profit, I am enraptured by the realisation of the theme, the acting talent of the protagonists, the scenic setting and, last but not least, the emotional musical accompaniment to the events. A captivating series that I am happy to recommend.Was this review helpful to you?
1. P’Thee and K’Rati — a love that defies the world
“Our story is a testament that heaven could send someone to love another with an unwavering heart.”
This line perfectly sums up P’Thee. He’s quiet, reserved, and easily the most idealistic character in the series. He challenges the rigid norms of aristocracy for love, but he’s also weighed down by tradition and family expectations. His inner conflict is between who he’s supposed to be and who he truly is. But from the moment he met K’Rati, his love never wavered — not once — despite all the social and hierarchical barriers.
K’Rati, coming from a humble background, is constantly aware of the gap between himself and the elite. His past taught him to be cautious, which makes him guarded and sometimes even distrustful. He worries that his history makes him “unworthy” in the eyes of society and P’Thee’s family. That fear leads him to hold back emotionally, and at times, even push Thee away, which honestly frustrated me a bit.
But P’Thee’s affection and emotional stability help K’Rati realize that his worth isn’t defined by where he came from, but by who he is. Their romance is built on tenderness, mutual respect, and admiration.
Great and Inn always deliver heartfelt performances. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I’d love to see them together on screen more often.
2. Mek and Dech — a love that battles itself
They stole every scene they were in. Unlike the quiet, mature love between P’Thee and K’Rati, Mek and Dech’s relationship is impulsive, almost youthful. What started as rivalry turned into friendship, and eventually blossomed into a romance full of discovery and conflict.
Mek is a hardworking, disciplined man who takes pride in his strength and independence. He’s blunt, firm, and never hides his humble roots. He’s loyal and honest, and beneath his tough exterior, he’s surprisingly vulnerable, especially when he feels “less than” because of his background. He protects the people he loves with fierce intensity, and his relationship with Dech reveals a softer, even shy side that makes him one of the most compelling characters in the series. He represents the raw, honest, and resilient spirit of the working class in that era.
Dech, despite being from a noble family, is kind and curious. He shows genuine empathy toward everyone around him. Sometimes he’s a little too trusting, which makes him come off as naïve. But his love for Mek is sincere and free of arrogance. He doesn’t see Mek as beneath him but as someone he can grow with.
I’m really happy to see Aou and Boom getting the recognition they deserve. They’re incredibly talented actors.
3. Nareerat — the character that made my blood boil
She was hands down the most infuriating character in the series. Honestly, she’s tied with Thida (Uea’s mom from Bed Friend) for the top spot on my “most annoying characters of all time” list. While Dech’s father is just an ignorant, spoiled man who can’t handle being challenged, Nareerat is downright cruel. I get that she represents the conservative voice of the Thai elite and the resistance to social change that Thee faces, but that doesn’t make her someone I can sympathize with.
Even when faced with the possibility of never seeing her grandson again, she still chose family honor and reputation above all else. That made me want her to spend the rest of her days locked away in that cold, lonely room.
That said, Tarika Thidathit deserves all the praise. She brought Nareerat to life with such quiet authority, no dramatic gestures needed. Her subtle expressions and calm demeanor carried the full weight of family expectations and tradition.
I didn’t expect to write this much about the series, but it’s just so rich and layered. It really got under my skin in the best way.
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