This review may contain spoilers
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.
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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