The White Olive Tree

Heartwrenching Reality

After arriving at this dramas conclusion I had to take some time to clear out my emotions. I cried a lot after the ml and fl returned to China. For the losses they experienced, the atrocities they witnessed, the terrorism the experienced first hand and the beating their emotions took over their last few days in the East Country.

A lot of the reviews I have read complained of the pace being too slow, not appreciating the leads, etc. But being a person who has not been diagnosed with PTSD but has experienced a great deal of trauma in my years on earth, the storyline grabbed my heart and squeezed hard.

The development of the relationship of the leads was heartwarming and painful. That’s the way that strong but kind and considerate people fall in love. Love requires them to step out of their personal world and learn to communicate, tolerate and embrace the quirks and faults of the one chosen to be loved. Tgis script gave the characters plenty of time to develop personally and as a couple. There wasn’t much time spent on the side couples which I found refreshing. There wasn’t any bff with bitter experiences handing out advice or crazy childhood sweethearts turned manipulative stalker trying to break them apart. Only one competitive woman that worked with the fl who wanted to outdo the fl in every area. Her machinations were wasted and didn’t last long.

I have to say that CZY was impressive in his role. A kind and gentle man who wanted to help the residents of East Country be liberated from those trying to wipe them out and destroy everything and every one in their path. He had a strong personality that was humble and understated which caused respect and admiration from everyone he encountered. He was quick to protect those he cared about and didn’t think twice about saving others even if it meant harming himself to assure their safety.

The fl appeared to be easy to bully, but she was strong and wisely kept her thoughts and opinions to herself until it was necessary to speak and act. She was a little self-absorbed and stubborn to the point of her detriment on several occasions. One minute wise beyond her years and stubborn when there was no need for it.

Their personalities were well suited and their chemistry combined with meeting their “person” helped them slide into becoming a couple - even after a short break-up happened because they both were afraid to admit their weakness as they saw it that caused them both to have PTSD.

The sloppy way the fl was diagnosed with depression and then given a tranquilizer to cope during daylight hours was so off the mark. And it was hard to believe that a trained and educated mental health doctor wasn’t able to distinguish that the fl had PTSD showed a lack of research on the scriptwriters side. I do not know how it was addressed in the novel, but this was poorly represented. Also the fact that being “cured” so quickly was another mark against the script. While the doctor misdiagnosed the fl, she was quick to determine the severity of the ml’s PTSD and offered little advice to family and friends in how to come alongside someone with this diagnosis. This may be an accurate reflection on mental health practices as well. Most treatments and findings come from cases involving male patients and females are often overlooked or misdiagnosed as they are presented differently in women than men. It was a bad diagnosis for the fl and poorly executed therapy for both.

I also found the excessive use of tear drops a bit annoying. Sometimes it was like watching rivers pour down their cheeks and due to the emotional content of a lot of the scenes between the leads, the budget for this drama must have earmarked 20% for tear drops alone.

The casting of the extras was beyond odd. There were Chinese, Indian, African, Middle Eastern, Hispanic and Caucasian actors cast (and why does every cdrama cast some of the most unattractive Caucasian extras??) that all spoke English. The dubbing was bad, but could be overlooked if you focus on other things in the scene. And some of the lines of the terrorists we’re downright funny because of the bad dubbing and poor understanding of swear word usage in English. Now back to the main point of the review…

The scenery outside of the two imaginary cities was lovely and had there not been a war going on, their looked to have been a peaceful place.

The sets allowed for war torn cities to have broken down buildings, poor transportation and hotels that were furnished with rescued furnishings added to try to make the rooms more guest friendly.

There’s more I could go into with the side characters, but while they contributed to the overall success of the drama, it was mainly about the horrible affect war has on people physically, economically and emotionally. They all did an excellent job with their roles - even the kind of creepy overly concerned boss of the ml. his character hinted of having feelings for the ml and yet not. It was just a weird role.

The second traumatic event for our couple was horrible. The portrayal of the abduction and torture of both was genuinely hard to watch. Humans can be so cruel and take pleasure in hurting others in every way possible just because they can. The outcome was devastating for the ml and CZY pulled off the complexity of someone suffering from severe PTSD brilliantly. His transformation reached his eyes and face, it wasn’t just in his acting. He should be recognized for his excellence in this role. He was truly outstanding.

The fl is worthy of accolades as well. Even though she suffered from PTSD as well, she took on the role of caretaker and loved him well. She protected, defended, took care of his personal needs without making him feel like a burden. She was able to communicate with him as her partner without treating him like an invalid incapable of doing anything for himself. This showed how much she truly loved him and respected him as a man.

I was glad that they decided to marry and then to go somewhere far away from the pressure and stress of living in society that focuses so much on perfectionism and shows little empathy or concern for any kind of physical or mental illness.

I still need to decompress from the emotions stirred up from this drama, as I would like to read the novel and watch it again.

If you’re on the fence because of negative reviews, watch this anyway. And watch it without the negativity that some wrote, and put yourself into the story. You will be moved in many ways, and despite the heaviness of the story at times, enjoy the moments of beauty found in even the most terrible situations. And do the same with your circumstances. Love isn’t always sunshine and roses. Sometimes it is bitter, ugly, painful and frustrating. But to love someone truly takes the act of putting your beloved and their needs above your own, talking about hard things, and working together to get through the horrors life can throw at you, no matter how hard it gets or how long it takes.

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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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I saw the angst and the trauma yet I marched on anyway

The Ending I actually thought it would be a Happy one how silly of me!
some points I would like to talk about in here because I finished this yesterday and I couldn't get the Ending out of my head!

~ This whole series is so filled with details I didn't know it would be like this ,, the way they have showcased the real victims of the war the people the ones who couldn't afford to leave ! who didn't want to leave their land to go and feel like an outcast in another country that will never acknowledge them as a citizen of their own.

~The way they have talked about the effects of those of have survived ( survival guilt ) and how people wish they haven't even made it they didn't want that type of luck because they felt they survived but at what cost? they have lost everything they cherished and what a burden it is to be the one who lived on solely because someone had sacrificed their own life .

~ *The scenery* of the whole Drama and all the green in the Drama it shows that there is in fact some new sprouts getting to grow so perhaps hope shouldn't be all lost .But so much beauty had to be destroyed because of the greedy people who were never concerned with anything but their own gains .

~ The Characters even the supporting ones have been written well and displayed in a manner that led to us sympathizing with them in such environment it doesn't really had to have a big scene some matters are spoken about in between the lines like daughters being sold in war times like a pawn. or when meals being had could be the last. a person who could sense the suffering of another and stand up for them even if it could harm the latter.

~in spite of the main leads being both introverts both of them have tried their best even tho they were both broken and had heavy hearts, feeling like their hands are tied and could not offer their hand to those who are in dire need of help. How could they help a whole nation ? when they are only two humans right? No, they gave it all they could which have in conclusion led to their demise. one who can't function properly and the other unable to let go of the love of their life, thus making them go to such extreme measures.

that's a lot of words if you've made it this far please give it a go and I hope it is to your liking

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c-trauma. emotional pain. too many tears.

Just gotta say something: first off, wHy tF was this so tRAgiC. Like I don't cry a lot in daily life and this shit got me bawling. Eps 1-35, some trauma, most of it is ok. If you want your sanity intact I will advise you to stop watching here. Eps 36-38? Pure emotional pain. It was all going well and them authors just had to insert some mentally brain damaged content to ruin the ending. Also, since when did elopement mean suicide??? WTF. And so it is implied that they both died tgt at the end. Help. Benjamin (Wang Tianchen) died. Jiang Lin (Wang Zhuochen) died. Rina (Florence Tan) died. Li Zan (Chen Zheyuan) died. Song Ran (Liang Jie) died. LIKE HELLO WHY IS HALF THE MAIN CAST SIX FEET UNDER? (I mean in Fangs of Fortune a bunch of them died but thats understandable since it's a wuxia.) But here?? The White Olive Tree? Pure c-trauma. Thats what this is. Not a cdrama, ctrauma. Like Li Zan actually needed psychological help in the end. Not even Song Ran could help him. They chose to die tgt instead. Like whY would you dO tHAt to them?? Went through so much together just to call it quits in the end and not live a good life tgt. I understand it's supposed to reflect real life circumstances, but this drama literally gave me mental disease too. With that aside, Chen Zheyuan is fantastic at conveying emotions. You can see the difference in him after eps 36. You can see the pain in his eyes, and also the love he has for Song Ran as well. They both of them (Chen Zheyuan and Liang Jie) were compatible and they both conveyed emotion really well. Too well in fact. I literally wept in the end. Advise you to clear out if you can't handle emotional pain.

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