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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This review may contain spoilers
Flower Boy, it pleases my literary atavisms.
Flowers Boy contains elements that please my atavistic tastes in literature: the encounter between civilization and barbarism (although someone from the city isn't exactly civilized), the myth of the noble savage (who trades gold for glass beads), and, of course, the instinctive attraction of scent (for some reason they don't describe it as pheromones 🤔). The actors are on par with their previous work, Love in the Moonlight, although they distance themselves from the character of their former roles. If they maintain the pace and consistency of the plot twists, I think it will be one of those series that you'll want to rewatch. Incidentally, we'll have to see how Scent redeems itself from the damage it's been doing.Was this review helpful to you?
