9
16
Flawed Storytelling, Redeemed by Amazing Performances
The White Olive Tree is one of those dramas that I watched purely for its talented cast and the themes it aimed to explore. If I’m completely honest, the writing left a lot to be desired—it was riddled with bad dialogue and forced situations, often making me roll my eyes. The English dialogue felt tedious; if a drama intends to incorporate a good amount of a foreign language, it would be worthwhile to invest in someone who can ensure its proper use.
However, despite the weak storytelling, there were also highlights, including the romance, the acting, and the OST.
The love story between the two leads was surprisingly engaging, even if some viewers found it too teenage-like. Their initial awkwardness and shy interactions might not be for everyone, but I personally found them endearing. There’s something incredibly sweet about watching two people slowly navigate their feelings, especially when their chemistry is palpable. When they finally got together, it made all the waiting worthwhile.
Another standout element was the acting. Both leads delivered strong performances, and their emotional depth helped elevate the often lackluster script. Chen Zhe Yuan, in particular, was a scene-stealer—not just because of his strong acting but also because he excelled in the most intense, tearful moments. His ability to convey raw emotions made the heavier aspects of the story more compelling.
Liang Jie also delivered a noteworthy performance, providing the perfect balance to Chen Zhe Yuan with her natural charm. While he carried much of the show’s intensity, her portrayal brought a richness that added depth to both her character and the story. Their effortless chemistry made their relationship even more engaging to watch.
Beyond the leads, there were side characters who managed to captivate the audience. Wang Tian Chen as Benjamin and Gu Zi Cheng as Sasin were particularly noteworthy, earning their own dedicated fanbase. They not only complemented their co-stars but also left a lasting impression of their own. Their scenes together provided much-needed moments of levity, which helped balance the drama’s heavier themes. At the same time, their story had many poignant and meaningful moments that brought tears to my eyes.
Speaking of heaviness, The White Olive Tree delves into war and its aftermath, particularly PTSD. The drama focuses on the psychological toll endured by those affected, offering glimpses into the scars and struggles of its characters. While these themes add weight to the story, the execution sometimes feels uneven. Even though there were moments of genuine depth, the storytelling felt superficial, as though the drama was merely skimming the surface of complex issues rather than fully exploring their intricacy and nuance.
Fortunately, the strength of the actors helped bridge this gap. Through their performances, they conveyed the struggles of trauma survivors in a way that the script failed to achieve. Their heartfelt delivery brought authenticity to the characters' pain, making their journeys feel more compelling.
The OST was well-chosen and played a crucial role in enhancing the mood of the scenes, adding an extra layer of emotional depth and immersing the audience further into the story.
Watching this drama was quite a journey—one filled with emotional highs, frustrating lows, and countless tear-jerking moments—but ultimately, it was a rewarding experience. Despite its flaws, the performances and romance kept me invested until the very end. The conclusion was not a fairytale ending, but I was not disappointed. It struck a balance between realism and hope, aligning with my cautiously optimistic wish for the main couple’s fate. It provided enough closure to feel satisfying without being overly idealistic. In a story that explored trauma, love, and resilience, this ending felt appropriate.
Even though the show may not be for everyone, it will likely appeal to those who appreciate excellent performances and its earnest attempt to delve into the lasting repercussions of war. In the end, there was much in the show that I found deeply moving.
However, despite the weak storytelling, there were also highlights, including the romance, the acting, and the OST.
The love story between the two leads was surprisingly engaging, even if some viewers found it too teenage-like. Their initial awkwardness and shy interactions might not be for everyone, but I personally found them endearing. There’s something incredibly sweet about watching two people slowly navigate their feelings, especially when their chemistry is palpable. When they finally got together, it made all the waiting worthwhile.
Another standout element was the acting. Both leads delivered strong performances, and their emotional depth helped elevate the often lackluster script. Chen Zhe Yuan, in particular, was a scene-stealer—not just because of his strong acting but also because he excelled in the most intense, tearful moments. His ability to convey raw emotions made the heavier aspects of the story more compelling.
Liang Jie also delivered a noteworthy performance, providing the perfect balance to Chen Zhe Yuan with her natural charm. While he carried much of the show’s intensity, her portrayal brought a richness that added depth to both her character and the story. Their effortless chemistry made their relationship even more engaging to watch.
Beyond the leads, there were side characters who managed to captivate the audience. Wang Tian Chen as Benjamin and Gu Zi Cheng as Sasin were particularly noteworthy, earning their own dedicated fanbase. They not only complemented their co-stars but also left a lasting impression of their own. Their scenes together provided much-needed moments of levity, which helped balance the drama’s heavier themes. At the same time, their story had many poignant and meaningful moments that brought tears to my eyes.
Speaking of heaviness, The White Olive Tree delves into war and its aftermath, particularly PTSD. The drama focuses on the psychological toll endured by those affected, offering glimpses into the scars and struggles of its characters. While these themes add weight to the story, the execution sometimes feels uneven. Even though there were moments of genuine depth, the storytelling felt superficial, as though the drama was merely skimming the surface of complex issues rather than fully exploring their intricacy and nuance.
Fortunately, the strength of the actors helped bridge this gap. Through their performances, they conveyed the struggles of trauma survivors in a way that the script failed to achieve. Their heartfelt delivery brought authenticity to the characters' pain, making their journeys feel more compelling.
The OST was well-chosen and played a crucial role in enhancing the mood of the scenes, adding an extra layer of emotional depth and immersing the audience further into the story.
Watching this drama was quite a journey—one filled with emotional highs, frustrating lows, and countless tear-jerking moments—but ultimately, it was a rewarding experience. Despite its flaws, the performances and romance kept me invested until the very end. The conclusion was not a fairytale ending, but I was not disappointed. It struck a balance between realism and hope, aligning with my cautiously optimistic wish for the main couple’s fate. It provided enough closure to feel satisfying without being overly idealistic. In a story that explored trauma, love, and resilience, this ending felt appropriate.
Even though the show may not be for everyone, it will likely appeal to those who appreciate excellent performances and its earnest attempt to delve into the lasting repercussions of war. In the end, there was much in the show that I found deeply moving.
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