The White Olive Tree

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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More than just a love story

This drama may have its controversies but for me, I really love this drama.
I started watching it thinking it would just be a romance but it turned out to be so much more.
It’s about love, yes but also about the pain, sacrifice, and struggles of people living in a war zone.
The story feels so real and emotional that I found myself completely drawn into their world.
The cinematography is beautiful with every shot carefully framed to match the mood of the scene and the music fits perfectly adding to the emotions without ever feeling too much.
I love how the drama doesn’t try to make war look glamorous, it shows the danger, the fear and the quiet moments of grief in a way that feels respectful and truthful.
The male lead’s acting is absolutely outstanding. I could feel everything he was going through, his fear and his sadness.
He portrayed PTSD in such a believable way that it made my heartache.
How he tenses at sudden noises, the way his eyes seem to drift into the past when something triggers a memory, the long silences that say more than words ever could.
Even his smiles sometimes felt like they were hiding pain and that made his journey all the more moving to watch.
His chemistry with the female lead was beautiful to see not overly dramatic but tender and genuine.
By the time I reached the final episode, I wasn’t just watching a drama anymore, I was feeling every step of their story with them.
This is one of those shows that stays in my mind and I know I’ll be thinking about it for a long time.

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I didn’t expect to end up watching White Olive Tree. For those who’ve read my other reviews, you’ll know I don’t hold the highest opinion of Liang Jie. I actually watched this drama with a friend, and we had to drop it a few times before finally finishing it. Along the way, there were things I appreciated about the show—and some things I really wish they had left out.

What I loved about this series:

Chen Zhe Yuan as the male lead.
I know he gained popularity through Hidden Love, but I didn’t fully watch that series or pay close attention to his character—I was more focused on Lu Si and her character development. However, in White Olive Tree, I truly appreciated his performance. The way he adored the female lead, how love radiated through his eyes—it was compelling. Overall, I just really enjoyed his character here.

The beauty of the Eastern country in the beginning.
There’s something timeless about the setting in the first part of the series. The landscapes, the atmosphere, and the way their love story unfolded there—it all had a poetic charm. That part of the story really stood out to me.

What I wish they would have skipped:

The second trip to the Eastern country.
The idea of returning to face their fears and work through trauma together felt forced and fictional. I understand what the show was aiming for, but it didn’t land for me. I’ll be honest—I fast-forwarded through much of those later episodes. While their bond was still evident and emotionally touching, the setting and pacing during this second return just didn’t feel real to me.

The ending and the question of survival.
I genuinely didn’t expect them to survive. It felt like the story was preparing us for a symbolic ending—perhaps that they had found peace in death. Given all the trauma they endured, the idea of “returning to normal” seemed incredibly unrealistic, both emotionally and mentally. So in a way, I think the ending they chose was the best possible one under the circumstances.

Final Thoughts:

This was a 7/10 for me. I could have rated it higher, but realistically, the direction the story took just wasn’t for me. I understand why it went the way it did, but it didn’t resonate on a deeper level. Because of that, I don’t see myself re-watching this any time soon, which is why I’m knocking off a few stars.

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Heartbreaking and heartfelt moments

I just want to say I love them casting of this show. The ML and FL were great. They barely had a secondary couple in this which is really rare for a show that's 38 episodes.

What I love: The quirkiness and cuteness between the main couple. They had a way of making it feel organic between them and I think that's just because of that actors. The realistic expectations of a war. The fact that they got injured, death, and the mental illness aspect of it was all done in a good way in my opinion. Love how FL was able to repair her relationship with her mom. Love how both FL and ML tried hiding their own struggles from each other but it is only when they worked together they able to overcome them.

What I disliked: The fact that ML never truly recovered from his PTSD, but that it got worse at the very end. Understandable, and it does show how realistic things can be. I would say that in the end the fact that they chose to be together despite it is beautiful. Hate that he never recovered, but love that she chose to be with the one that she loves.

What I hated: a good amount of supporting actors died that you fell in love with. Why did Ben have to die at the end???? There was no need for this death, he was finally starting to turn his life around and not being obnoxious. Also, we have some unfinished/forgotten storylines. What happened to FL dad and his second family? The reporter girl who was competing with FL had such a beautiful moment in the country and her storyline could have been explored a whole lot more but they just felt flat and forgotten. Same thing with female doctor, why have her be of any significance or importance if we're just going to leave her hanging in the end?

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This was an exceptional series that captivated me from start to finish. The actors did amazing roles, and I loved their emotions. The main actors were especially good at showing how they felt. I was particularly impressed by the depth and nuance displayed by the main actors, whose portrayals evoked a powerful emotional response. However, I found the decision for the characters to commit suicide at the end of the movie to be deeply unnecessary. While the somber conclusion may have been intended to reflect the gravity of their struggles, it left me with a sense of sadness that overshadowed the overall impact of the story and I didn't think I rewatched it.

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Mixed emotions

Okay so first of all this is a love story going on in middle of war. I understand that writer wants people to know about the sacrifices and sufferings of soldiers. I actually loved it.but this could have been shorter.ML became ill 2 times still he wanted to go again. And after 2nd time when he lost his 2 fingers then what happened in that country? Nothing was clear.did that stop? 2 supporting actors died. When Ben died where was his DR. Friend? Nothing was clear. Why they wanted to go again when he was already having PTSD. Ending could have been better. Its emptional drama. We can imagine what people in war countries face.what soldiers face. I respect army. Salute to you guys. 🫡
ML acting was so so good omg. I loved supporting actors specially Ben.♥️

I am only disappointed for their ending. I was wishing he is normal and they get married and everything is okay. But it was tragic to see him like that. I was crying 😢 😭 😪 😫.

Thanks for reading.🫰🏻

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Okay, so yeah, I only watched it because of my sister, who cried like a little baby (and me too, of course). I have to say that this series was truly a masterpiece. If I don't count some parts that were unnecessarily long and boring and I prayed that we would finally move on. The characters were amazing and the processing was like a joke. The whole idea is completely original and I have no words, it really is a brilliant idea that deserves more attention. As I say, the characters were amazing and maybe because they were played by such great actors. Honestly, I expected more from it, but it doesn't matter. As for the rest, I have nothing to criticize, because they are beautiful and I am addicted to them. The only thing that annoyed me was the ending, at first I was stuck and was angry, but after a few minutes I started crying like a little baby XD so if you don't want to be depressed, this series is not for you XD Of course I also have to mention my fav bromance, which I experienced probably more than the main couple pfff

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