This review may contain spoilers
Watch It Only for Actors' Sterling Performances
I just came out of watching White Olive Tree with a bout of PTSD of my own.If I had known what the last few episodes were like, I think I'd have stopped watching it at Episode 34, when life seemed to offer a glimmer of hope still. While the opposite might be the stark reality for many people, I personally don't need that, when all I want is to sit back and be entertained after a spent day at work. I found some of the scenes in the final 4 episodes traumatic and disturbing, it didn't help that I watched them last thing before bedtime and found myself haunted and depressed by the story ending.
The unfolding of the relationship between the two lead characters, Li Zan (Chen Zheyuan) and Song Ran (Liang Jie) got a bit frustrating to watch at times, partly because of their characters' personalities, and this was probably made worse by the slightly slow pace of the earlier episodes. At some point, one cannot help but question their inability to be honest with each other (even though yes, yes, the truth can be difficult to tell and accept). But hiding so much and such important things from the other person surely would get in the way of building a relationship of understanding and trust?
The relationship between Benjamin (Wang Tianchen) and Saxin (Gu Zicheng) was an amusing development and unexpected. I didn't know what to think of it, given Benjamin was very much in love with the female doctor, but at the same time he didn't seem to be affected by the unusual silent anger and snide remarks that Saxin perpetually directed at him. In the same way, the way Luo Zhan (Ding Ye) behaved towards Li Zan is a little atypical of a normal "buddy" relationship among men. But all these subtleties (and sometimes not so subtle interactions) made the show a more interesting watch. Zheng Yingchen did well as the annoying character Shen Bei, whom in the end was the person who (unintentionally) caused the lead couple's tragedy by convincing Song Ran to delay their departure from East Nation by a few more days.
The story itself would not suit an audience looking for an easy watch given the heavy themes and war background, and the scripting is terrible at many parts, with badly worded and spoken English. There are a few nice songs in the soundtrack but seriously, does so much of it need to be in English?
Having completed watching this serial drama, would I have watched it if I could choose all over again? Yes, only for one reason. Chen Zheyuan's performance was stunning, especially his portrayal of Li Zan from the point of the fatal explosion that claimed the life of his buddy Jiang Lin (Wang Zhuocheng). The mental, emotional and physical trauma and decline suffered by Li Zan demanded an extremely intensive performance and Chen Zheyuan has surprised me with the depth of his portrayal. So, kudos to Chen Zheyuan. I think this piece of work has raised him to a new height as an actor.
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A Down-to-Earth Love Story that Pulls No Big Surprises
The storyline of You Are My Hero is as steady and reliable as a policeman and a surgeon. The lack of huge drama and overly sweet teenage bopper romance makes this a very engaging and pleasant watch because almost everything is realistic and believable.There is good chemistry between Bai Jingting and Ma Sichun. Both of them pulled off a solid performance, especially Ma Sichun. I enjoyed watching her portrayal of the good-natured, bubbly and rather straightforward Dr. Mi Ka.
Dr. Mi Ka's BFF, Ruan Qingxia, however, I found quite irritating. This could boil down to the fact that the character is played by Jiang Peiyao and I recently saw her play a similar character in a different serial drama. It seems like every girl has to have that one well-intentioned BFF who is, seemingly, an expert in dealing with men and relationships. Despite having a troubled relationship of their own, they would not hesitate to dispense expert (and often completely unhelpful) advice to their own BFF. Ruan Qingxia appears to be the "it" girl for this sort of roles. Personally, I found it painful to watch Ruan Qingxia and Shu Wenbo navigate their relationship. That's where I'm eternally grateful for the fast-forward button.
Lastly, the melting of the ice cream uncle Dr. Shao Yuhan was convincingly presented by Wang Yang. His relationship with his old flame Xing Keyao revisited the point where they left off years ago and now having found each other again, I find the openness and frankness in their communications simply refreshing.
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