The White Olive Tree

Captivating, beautiful and tragic story. Beautifully acted.

I was really looking forward to this drama, especially as a huge fan of Chen Zheyuan. I knew how invested he was in the project, and it was clear that he adored his character and was genuinely excited about the drama.

The first six episodes were a slight disappointment because Chen Zheyuan was barely in them, and his character didn’t feel fully fleshed out. However, I really started to enjoy the drama when the two leads returned to China after the cataclysmic event. The romance building up between them, along with the scenes involving Li Zan’s dad and Ran Ran’s mum, were particularly touching. I also liked Li Zan's strange engineering boss.

When they returned to East Country, I felt the direction and pacing improved significantly—I’m not sure why. Was it a different director? The bromance/BL subplot between Ben and Sasin, however, felt a bit forced. I wish they had kept it as light, jokey humor, like in the early scenes where Ben was getting stitches from Dr. Pei and being scared of needles. The thinly disguised BL element felt contrived and boring, especially since I heard it wasn’t in the original novel. The "felt star" thing also wore thin for me after a while. I wish we had more scenes with Li zan's dad instead!

That said, the acting was absolutely top-tier. Chen Zheyuan is my favorite actor, and his crying scenes were so believable and heart-wrenching. Unlike other actors where you can see the effort to squeeze out tears, Chen Zheyuan’s performances felt raw and real, as if he were truly immersed in emotional pain. His crying varied depending on the emotion—sadness, trauma, fear, regret—and each felt distinct and powerful. His last two scenes, where he was a shadow of his former self due to his mental health struggles, were particularly accurate, haunting, and heartbreaking.

Liang Jie was phenomenal too. I don’t think Chen Zheyuan could have delivered such a flawless performance without her, as they both acted from a very deep, emotional place. They were both truly brilliant, and it’s such a shame that other aspects of the drama let it down and prevented it from becoming a mega-hit.

Many of us knew the story would take a traumatic turn, and towards the end, it almost felt like a horror movie. Because we all knew that events would go bad and quickly! We were sharing the lightness and celebration with the two characters who were about to embark on a beautiful new life together, and when things went horribly wrong, it was as devastating as expected! I thought the fact that Li zan experienced such irreversible mental damage and trauma, it almost felt like he would have been better off dying in the battle field because he was subjected to such damaging abuse which stayed with him. For the final scene, I noticed they were at the tree in his father’s yard, dressed in their wedding outfits. The way they spoke made it feel like they had committed suicide after eloping but returned as spirits to check on the tree which had grown. That was maybe a way to keep it ambiguous but it was heartbreaking.

Negatives: The editing and shots were overly sentimental and dated, which was a bit distracting. The English dialogue from the extras were jarring and cringey—sorry! It felt like they just recruited any foreigners to play extras. That said, the guy who played Ran Ran’s driver was very good, so shoutout to him!While the drama was flawed due to elements beyond the actors’ control (production, direction, and screenwriting), this drama definitely left me pondering and thinking about the tragic effects of war and how poor Li Zan and Ran Ran were so close to happiness. Most viewers couldn’t help but feel affected by it.

All in all, this drama had such high expectations, and it’s frustrating because it was almost there—you could feel it. But too many things conspired against it becoming a mega-hit. That said, I know the drama has done pretty well overseas, and reading comments on Douyin and Weibo, it’s clear that this story has deeply affected many people. I'm certainly still dwelling it on. I will defintely rewatch because I loved the quality of acting from the main leads.

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The White Olive Tree – A Poignant Tale of Pain, Healing & Love

"Love is not for the weak." And neither is this drama. The White Olive Tree is not just a love story—it is an emotional battlefield where past wounds, suppressed pain, and unspoken fears collide. Some dramas entertain you, some make you think, and then there are the rare ones that stay—long after the screen fades to black. The White Olive Tree is one of those.

It’s not just a love story; it’s about the weight of trauma, the struggle to act normal when everything inside you is broken, and the desperate need for a place where you can just breathe. It’s about a soldier (Li Zan) trying to move forward while his past keeps dragging him back, and his woman (Song Ran) who sees all his cracks but never looks away.

Chen Zheyuan: A Performance That Speaks Without Words

If there was ever a role that demanded more than just acting, this was it. Chen Zheyuan doesn’t just play Li Zan—he becomes him.

#His PTSD isn’t over-dramatized—it’s real. The quiet tension in his body, the way his hands shake when memories creep in, the sudden shifts in his eyes when he feels like he’s back in the battlefield… everything is so painfully raw.

#He makes you feel the exhaustion of a man who’s been fighting for so long that he doesn’t know how to stop. His love is guarded, his emotions locked away, but every time he lets his walls crack—even just for a second—you can see how much he wants to be saved but doesn’t know if he deserves it.

#His eyes tell a thousand stories. The guilt, the fear, the longing—sometimes, he doesn’t even have to speak, and you know what he’s feeling.

For those who have seen Chen Zheyuan in lighter roles (Hidden Love, The princess and the werewolf in 2023), this is a transformation. He’s no longer the mischievous Xiaoyuer or the charming Duan Jiaxu. He’s Li Zan—and you won’t forget him.

For those who have been following Chen Zheyuan's works, our boy is all grown up now. He’s more than just a rising star—he’s an actor who can break your heart with a single look.This is, without a doubt, Chen Zheyuan’s most complex and emotionally demanding role yet, and he delivered it with absolute brilliance. If there was ever a performance of his that deserved recognition , this is it.


Liang Jie : Strength in the Softest Way

Liang Jie’s character, Song Ran, is not just a love interest. She is not a typical "savior" heroine, but a character with her own depth, struggles, and understanding of love.In a world of chaos, they find solace in each other, proving that even amidst war and suffering, love can still bloom.

She’s not here to "fix" Li Zan, and that’s what makes her so special.

She sees him. Not just the strong soldier, but the broken man underneath.

She doesn’t push, doesn’t try to force him to open up—she just stays. Sometimes, that’s all someone needs.

Her quiet strength, her patience, and the way she holds space for his pain make their love story so much more than romance—it’s about acceptance.

Their chemistry isn’t built on grand gestures. It’s in the smallest moments—the way she reaches out when he pulls away, the way he lets her presence ground him when the past starts creeping in.

The Supporting Cast: A Story Bigger Than Two People

What makes The White Olive Tree so powerful is that everyone in this drama adds to the story.

Luo Zan’s character is the unwavering friend, the kind of presence Li Zan needs when everything else feels uncertain.

Ben and Sasin’s Bromance is one of the show’s greatest strengths. Their camaraderie is effortless,Their relationship isn’t just about survival; it’s about choosing to stand by each other, no matter what.

Ben and Dr. Pei’s Love Story is a slow-burning yet deeply emotional arc. Their love isn’t rushed or dramatic—it unfolds naturally, built on small moments of trust and understanding.

Captain Jiang Lin is a remarkable and complex character, embodying the essence of leadership, strength, and vulnerability.His character stands as a reminder that leadership is not just about making the right choices—it’s about standing by your team, embracing your humanity, and navigating both the highs and lows with grace.

From Shen Bei , we learn that sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is allow ourselves to be seen for who we truly are, flaws and all.

Lizan's father whose subtle gestures of understanding, his way of handling Li Zan without pressuring him, feel so comforting.

Song Ran's mother struggling to understand her daughter, wanting to help but not knowing how.

Why This Drama Feels So Real
This is not just a story about war, love, or loss. It’s about:

✔️ The weight of memories that never fade.
✔️ The fear of letting someone see the ugliest parts of you.
✔️ The truth that love doesn’t heal everything, but it makes the pain bearable.
✔️ The silent battles that so many fight alone.

The cinematography captures the loneliness of trauma beautifully—muted tones, lingering silences, the way the past and present blur together. The music doesn’t just complement the emotions; it carries them.

Final Thoughts: Every actor at their Absolute Best

This isn’t just another drama. It’s a deeply human story about pain, love, and the long, messy road to healing.

The White Olive Tree is not just a drama—it is an experience. It is raw, real, and unforgettable. It will break your heart, make you reflect, and stay with you long after the final scene fades to black.

Ofcourse , there might have been many flaws over the execution of adapting the story but what makes this stand out for me is its characters, each carrying their own weight.



And Chen Zheyuan? Been loving his works for so many years now but this is a performance so deeply layered that it lingers in your mind long after the last two episodes.

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A story about a White Olive Tree

Just finished watching this series. I mean, this is the first time that I felt giddy about a series from start to finish. Every episode is exploding with romance, I mean, for the first few parts. Then came the 0926, where we lost Captain Jiang, whom I liked the most. Then after that, we are in a whole new chapter of overcoming mental battles and PTSD. I like how they tackled this certain point in every soldier's life. Even though LZ is not really a soldier but rather a volunteer. I like how SR fought and was so empathic with the country she's covering.

As a journalism graduate myself, it's hard to maintain professionalism in covering cases like East Country because in every story you also have to put a piece of yourself in every article you write just so it could touch other people's own emotions. And also for you to create a wonderful masterpiece. I like how it felt similar to Descendants of the Sun in a way but with a very different story plot. I mean, who would've thought a journalist and a volunteer deminer would get to fall in love, right?

I do believe that the story of Ben and Sasin is much more. I guess this is in my yaoi opinion, but sadly this is a cdrama, so for the series to push through and not be criticized by the government, they have Ben rather dying from unknown reasons than them continuing whatever so-called bromance they have. The reason I said he died from unknown reasons is because I didn't see if he was shot somewhere that he damaged his liver and kidney. But that was his diagnosis, so who am I to judge the scriptwriter, right?! Sasin in the end made Ben his English name just so he wouldn't forget his Benjamin gege.

The OST is so beautiful as well. It adds up to the giddiness I felt for the first few parts, especially the one from Zhou Yuan, If the Wind Has Color. Personally, I use Apple Music, but since I couldn't find it, I had to return to our good 'ol Spotify just so I could listen to it over and over, even until now, when I'm writing this review.

The only mystery to me is what happened to them at the end. When they said they're eloping, they then looked at the White Olive Tree and disappeared. I thought they died or something since SR told their parents that LZ isn't getting any better anymore. So, did they both get admitted to the mental facility or just go somewhere? We just don't know where. I was a bit confused, but all in all, this series is a must-watch.

By the way the filming location of this series is at Leshan, Sichuan in China. The production did a great job making Leshan looks something from the far eastern countries or somewhere from europe.

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How can this drama recommented for 13+???

I started this drama bc of the plot - but fortunately some users in Social Media gave some spoilers. In cause of this I stopped watching and saved me from being traumatised. Such a sad drama - who loves such things ? I mean, as spectator I build a bonding between me and the actors/ protagonists. How coul a screenwriter write every person in the drama out of a happy end? My recomendation is: if you are looking for a beutiful drama to calm down, to hope, cry a little bit and laugh many times with the protagonists - this is the wrong drama. You will suffer a lot and at the end, there is no ending you will be satisfied with.

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The drama started off strong, but unfortunately, it quickly lost its way.

I had high hopes for this drama, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to my expectations. CZY's appearance in this drama was noticeably different from his previous roles. He truly stood out here – his charisma and handsome looks were undeniable. He shines even more in modern settings, like in this drama and Hidden Love. CZY in a military uniform with that haircut was striking. Thankfully, there was no dramatic, weird makeup like in some of his other dramas. His piercing eyes and irresistible smile captivated me, and his voice, so soothing and compelling, added so much depth. He definitely brought Azan to life in a way that felt authentic and emotional, especially in his teary scenes. It was clear that CZY put his all into this role, and I have to give him credit for a phenomenal, TOP-NOTCH performance.
As much as I LOVE Chen Zhe Yuan, I found myself unable to continue watching past episode 20. The first few episodes really pulled me in, and I was hopeful for how the story would unfold. However, after the candy bomb, the plot became increasingly chaotic and harder to follow, especially after the characters returned to the city. The pacing slowed down, and I found myself missing them when they were in the East Country, but unfortunately, it didn’t maintain that same level of engagement. Jiang Lin’s death came too early and disrupted the flow of the story. While trauma is an important theme, his death seemed to unravel the characters, causing them to retreat into their own emotional worlds rather than pushing the plot forward.
Liang Jie is a talented actress – I’ve enjoyed her in Eternal Love, but I struggled to connect with her portrayal of Song Ran. Song Ran often came across as more obsessive than anything, and her personality seemed more passive than I expected. As a reporter, I anticipated more strength and agency from her, especially during critical moments like the candy bomb and when she was captured (based on the short clip). I understand her love for Azan, but her behavior often felt overwhelming and took away from the story's depth. She literally spent the entire drama chasing after Azan, more than anything else. I wish she had dialed back her obsession a bit and focused more on her role as a reporter. It would have been more compelling if she had shown more resourcefulness, instead of waiting for Azan to rescue her. While I don’t expect her to handle everything on her own, it would have been nice to see her keep fighting until help arrived, rather than sitting there unsure of what to do.
Though I’m not entirely sure of the specifics, as I only saw brief clips, the moments when Azan was captured and tortured felt repetitive. They seemed primarily focused on deepening his emotional pain without advancing the overall story. His struggles with guilt and trauma were valid, but the execution felt a bit forced. The way these events unfolded didn’t seem fully justified within the narrative, especially considering he had just begun to overcome his initial trauma. I mean, he had just finally gotten past it – ok, yall!!! SMH. The loss of Ben also felt pointless, as his death didn’t serve a meaningful purpose in the story, especially since he was one of the heroes. How does one jump into a hot pit without backup??? Additionally, while the book Azan wrote about their memories was heartbreaking, it added an extra emotional layer that wasn’t needed, given how heavy the drama already was.
On a positive note, there were moments that truly stood out. For instance, when Shen Bei referred Azan as her boyfriend and Song Ran teared up, or when Azan found SR after the mishap on the way to Happo (though I may not recall the name exactly), those moments were emotionally impactful. The airport reunion was especially memorable—Azan was just so FINEEE! Of course, Azan’s charm, calm demeanor, and piercing eyes really shone through in those emotional scenes. When they finally reunited after the breakup, Azan remained as lovable as ever. Still, I wished both characters had shown more emotional resilience and mental strength.
While I’m glad the ending didn’t follow the novel’s direction, I found the final tone of the drama to be too heavy and emotionally draining. Azan's suffering, especially after being tortured, was heartbreaking. He seemed to change so drastically from the strong, capable man we saw at the start to someone entirely different, which left me feeling disoriented. The drama’s tone became overwhelming, and I think a more resolved or uplifting ending could have kept viewers more engaged. Instead, it felt like an emotional rollercoaster that ultimately fizzled out, with the characters marrying, eloping, and disappearing into thin air under the Olive Tree. I don’t really care if they lived for years before disappearing because the ending felt rushed. As a result, the drama left me feeling more exhausted than fulfilled. Will I continue watching it? Probably not.

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Superb acting but heart wrenching drama

Great cast. Superb acting especially by ML & FL. i don't usually cry but this drama had me tearing up a couple of times. Spoiler Alert !!! If you can't handle heart wrenching endings then don't go beyond episode 35. I had to rewatch some scenes in Hidden Love just to appease my sad heart. I love the chemistry between the ML and FL. Acting is really believable. Some scenes could have been written better. The abduction episode was not done well. Writing and production in that episode is lacking. Another spoiler alert !!! The kind of death of one of the support cast didn't do him justice. Too flimsy. The writers could have given him a better death scene. Overall though its a great drama. i wasnt able to stop binge watching.

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THIS WAS A MASTERPIECE!!!!!

You can feel the love they have for each other through your screen. Like every time they smile, I smile LOL it was that contagious.
I really loved the ML's mature role in this series.
This was very emotional because of the struggles they both went through and are going through. I really have nothing bad to say. Each character delivered their role well. So many things to learn from this series.
The ML and FL love for each other was through the roof, as its an open ending drama, we can only imagine, he fully recovered and they got their happy ending.
I dont think my heart could have managed the ogirinial ending that they both passed 10yrs after getting married.
Overall, THIS WAS A MASTERPIECE!!!!! I will be rewatching this again.

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A Hauntingly Beautiful Masterpiece

The White Olive Tree is not just a drama—it’s an emotional rollercoaster that grips your soul and never lets go. A breathtaking yet heartbreaking journey, it weaves love, war, and sacrifice into a story so raw and powerful that it lingers in your mind long after the final scene.

Chen Zhe Yuan delivers a mesmerizing performance as Xia Zhou, capturing the pain, hope, and transformation of his character with heartbreaking realism. Zhang Jing Yi is equally brilliant, bringing depth and vulnerability to Li Xiang, making their love story feel intensely real. Their chemistry is undeniable, pulling you into every stolen moment, every unspoken word, and every aching goodbye.

The cinematography is stunning, painting both the beauty and brutality of their world with striking contrast. The OST enhances every emotion, amplifying the intensity of the story, making each scene hit even harder.

This drama is not just a love story—it’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you emotionally wrecked yet deeply moved. The White Olive Tree is a masterpiece that deserves every bit of praise. 10/10.

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