Rati is a Thai origin orphan raised in France, who returns to Siam as an interpreter. While walking around the village in first few days he meets Thee, who he thinks as a common man. Only later he finds out that he is actually a nobleman in the Ministry of Education. The attraction between the two is undeniable. When the French delegate has back, Rati is asked to stay back so that he can teach Thai officials French language which would help further improve relationships between the two countries. As you could imagine, Their attraction faces all kinds of issues, especially from Thee's grandmother who wants him to get married soon so that rumors about him stop. She doesn't want to hear or believe that he can fall in love with man. At the same time, Rati finds a lot of hatred especially fro one particular man who still thinks of him as a servant's son who was lucky enough to be adopted by someone big in France. IN parallel, we have the second love story of a common man Mek, who does odd jobs here and there and is a may Thai fighter. His chance encounter with another nobleman Dech changes both of their lives forever. There is more of a growth for Tech who realizes how he has taken his privilege for granted and how much does one have to struggle everyday to make ends meet. The stories continue where we will how the love grows between both these couples but eventually Rati has to leave back for France and there is no way a relationship between two men in early 1900's would be acceptable. Five years later Rati visits again, but this time things have changes, Thee has made good progress in his career and would now be able to travel to France with Rati, while Mek and Tech continue with their love and professional growth.
First tings, the color palette of the show is warm and very 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. Golden hour light bathes ancient architecture. Silks shimmer with every graceful turn. Visually every effort has been taken to make this show relatable yet nostalgic. The series doesn’t linger on politics or sweeping historical shifts. Instead, it roots itself in love, forbidden love, love divided by class, love that defies family expectations, and above all, love that endures. Both romances are beautifully told. Both strike a chord. And both leave a lasting impression. Even though Rati and Thee were the main couple and they have to play their parts in a dignified way, it's the second couple Mek and Tech who take the cake. Their chemistry was natural, their connection effortless. Dech’s defiance of the expectations he was born into while fighting for Mek spoke louder than any words. And Mek’s small gestures showed how love doesn’t always need to be declared to be deeply felt. In contrast, Rati and Thee's relationship was a little more complicated. Torn between duty for family , for country and their love for each other. But neither let their roles or responsibilities eclipse what they felt. You can pursue your dreams and still love freely. That was their quiet rebellion and their greatest truth. The is one of the rare shows where every characters plays their part to perfection. There is no unnecessary caricatures and no side stories to take away your attention from the main storyline.
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. The historical setting is what makes this show really good to watch. (7.5/10)
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