The White Olive Tree

Actors great, but directing suffers

I will start by grouching about the directing. It really stunk in many places as though it was a high school production. Except that nowadays, they are even better. However, I loved the acting when the directing wasn't in the way. I have never seen such emotion and execution of CZYs character and what he needed to portray as Li Zan's illness in any drama. The PTSD and survivor's guilt acting was breathtaking and had me crying many times with how his tears flowed as though he was really experiencing the nightmare. CZY should be up for an award for this part. Liang Jie was no slouch either with the emotions she portrayed with CZY and the different scenes of what the war was making both of them go through. The support actors were just as amazing in their portrayals, and I'll say it again, except where directing got in the way.
Disappointed that there wasn't more interaction with Ben and Dr. Pei. It could have made for a great 2nd leads story. I wasn't a fan of Sa Xin who acted like a lovesick schoolboy around Ben, whereas Ben was just a teasing big brother. Don't know what that boy's story was about. I also can't figure out why SB left before the unveiling of the name and the photo with the kids. If she had to leave, she should have been seen loving on the kids before going. Then contemplating her time in Eastern Country and how she changed for the better. I cried hard when Ben died. He was such a great character and I love the actor who played him
I'm perplexed by the amateurish directing with the messed-up dialogue with weird pauses. The actors all made up for it though.
The ending was apropos as Ran said in the note to the parents, Li Zan will never get better, and instead of affecting those that they loved, they will go off on their journey of simple life. For those fans who want a S2. Why? After this heart wrenching depiction of the horrors of war, destruction of local people, especially the children, the effects of mental illness and showing that the victims aren't always the sick ones. The loved ones are affected too. Who wants to see that all again? Besides, Zan is suffering and only Ran can be his miracle. But not in that he will overcome it, just that she is the only one for him and so thus we must leave A Zan and Ran alone to continue their venture and elopement, inseparable.

One final aspect of this drama is the OST. My gosh, I absolutely loved Chen Xueran, he sings 3 songs, all of them fantastic, especially what scene it was played to. Other songs were noteworthy such as Te Amo, Beach Castle, Find My Way Back to Life, and The Wish Under the Olive Tree. My gosh the OSTs were spellbinding and made me cry rehearing them. This is a MUST WATCH, just get past the bad parts, it's worth it.

Read More

Not like any other CDrama

Before starting this drama, I made the mistake of watching/reading early reviews that critiqued it rather harshly. I felt disheartened because I've enjoyed watching Liang Jie and Chen Zheyuan in other dramas and had been looking forward to this one . Although I considered not watching it -- curiosity (and boredom) got the better of me, and I switched it on. Watching, I did see flaws and plot holes initially that made the drama feel like they were "playing house" with the idea of war. But as I viewed on, it drew me deeper and deeper into the unseen personal costs/sacrifices of battle. Chen Zheyuan and Liang Jie both did an phenomenally outstanding job of portraying their roles -- showing the deep, profound, and hidden wounds of battle that never heal for the soldiers and those who love them.
This subject matter is not for the faint of heart -- nor has it been addressed in such a realistic way in anything else that I've seen from Chinese entertainment before. Kudos to the screenwriters, director, cast and crew for being willing to take on this project It was not an easy task. But I applaud them for doing it as well as they did.
This drama was definitely worth the time to watch, and has left a deep impression on my heart.

Read More

So in love ???????

Very very good drama, in terms of story, acting, plot, music. Please..... You should watch it and don't forget to support this drama. The first episode already made me fall in love and smile to myself. I even went back to watch this. And I am willing to subscribe to VIP Premium. This drama reminds me of descendant of the sun. Only the story is more beautiful the white olive tree. You know every minor character is packed with details of their background. Liang Jie and Chen Zheyuan's acting is beyond doubt. The only military romance drama that can compete with Korea's DOTS. And yes, I have watched several Korean remakes of dots before. Both from Thailand and Vietnam and China my Hero. However, the only one that can bring the romantic Drakor vibes is twot. Chen Zheyuan deserves this award. He has repeatedly shaken up the overseas market in China.

Read More

Very good?????

Okay first Tama I don't care what other people are saying. Some people are badmouthing this drama without seeing it first.

1. You know this story really touched, Me and some of my friends even stopped the video because we wanted to see every moment. They are very smart.
2. Dramas that teach elements of humanity are very good dramas, many military romance dramas overly highlight the romantic elements of the main characters and focus on the romance. But this drama has a fair share of human points and issues that are conveyed.
3. I majored in music, and I really enjoyed the music in this drama. Like yesterday with the song Sa Ding Ding, it was also amazing. The song Twot is very very good in The emotional aspect of playing the notes.
4. Vibes and atmosphere are different from most Chinese dharma. Very few bring new atmosphere elements. Yes I found Jinmai Wulei's Admist Snowstorm to be good too. Very new just like The white olive tree



Disclaimer : If you like this drama give your stars, widows should watch it without being influenced by the public.

Oh yeah, this time hopefully zls fans stop doing dirty again. I read it in the review column earlier. This is a place to give ratings not just for personal opinions.

Read More

The White olive tree

Highly recommended, in my country very popular, has been hot search and top 1 for more than a week. The story is very good, the acting of the male actors is very developed, the chemistry... Very suitable for the female protagonist. They are very sweet. I watched the making-of footage where they were very dedicated to this drama. That's why his character is so loved, maybe we don't even find such a character in real life. The male lead is so good, he can change his emotions and facial expressions so quickly, it's painful to watch him battle his ptsd. He seems to really have it, and yes but he still manages to smile and be nice to everyone.

The acting of the female lead is also not inferior, I cried when she cried, there was even a 3 minute scene without dialogue. But he was able to carry it very well.

The background music is very supportive, very suitable for the drama setting outside China. There was one that really gave me the creeps. The title is White Olive Tree by the Budapest Orchestra, sorry if I'm wrong. The music made me fall into silence, and for a moment I felt the suffering of some people out there who experienced things like what was in the drama. Seeing how hard it is for them and the little ones. White

Olive Tree might be my favorite drama this year. Because there are many lessons that I can learn. Maybe for some people this drama is slow and boring, but every episode enjoys the epic momentum presented by this drama, you will get new meaning and perspectives in your life.

Read More

Yeah NO

Update: I just couldn’t bring myself to continue so dropped bin it goes.

I am really really trying to give this drama a chance but the more I watch the more it’s looking like I am going to have to drop this after all.
Why the hell did they have to make the Fl act so stiff and like a lost puppy, she looks like a deer caught in red-lights during all her interactions with the ML, I get that she is attracted to him and interested in him but she’s not a little school girl, she’s a freaking war reporter.
The way she behaves around him is so off putting and I am fast forwarding some of their interactions because I just can’t stand it, so I just can’t take her as a professional war reporter seriously
Does this get any better because am currently @ ep3 and I am just frustrated with both the FLs characterization and portrayal of said character and the overall slow and unnatural nature/movements of the drama

Read More