The White Olive Tree Review: This is a Chinese military war drama starring Chen Zhe Yuan and Liang Jie. It is based on the novel of the same name by Jiu Yuexi.
The story is based in war-torn Dongguo, where reporter Song Ran meets engineer Li Zan, and their shared ideals spark a romance—until an explosion separates them. Back home, they struggle with guilt but reunite, planting olive seeds as a symbol of healing.
The White Olive Tree was released on Feb 1, 2025, and is currently streaming on iQIYI.
Plot Summary
While on an interview assignment in the conflict-ridden East Country, journalist Song Ran from Liang City Satellite TV finds herself in danger. She is saved by Li Zan, a Chinese explosives engineer volunteering there. Li Zan’s kindness and pure heart quickly draw Song Ran in.
As they spend more time together, Li Zan realizes that although Song Ran appears fragile, she is actually strong, courageous, and deeply compassionate. With shared values and a deep connection, love begins to bloom between them. But just as their relationship starts to take shape, a sudden bombing attack tears them apart.
Back in China, both struggled with personal hardships and lost touch. Li Zan is weighed down by guilt, blaming himself for a friend’s death during the attack, while Song Ran faces public criticism over a photo she took at the scene.
Fate brings them back together, and as they heal, they find solace in each other. Together, they plant the seeds of the white olive tree, symbolizing new beginnings.
A Powerful Story Weighed Down by Poor Execution
The White Olive Tree Review: The White Olive Tree isn’t just a love story—it’s an emotional journey where past wounds, hidden pain, and unspoken fears come crashing together. Some dramas entertain, some make you think, but a rare few stay with you long after they end. This is one of them.
It’s more than romance; it’s about the weight of past trauma, the struggle to seem fine when you’re broken inside, and the longing for a safe space to just breathe. It follows a soldier, Li Zan, who wants to move forward but is constantly pulled back by his past, and Song Ran, the woman who sees all his scars yet never turns away.
The White Olive Tree is an emotionally intense drama that leaves a lasting impact, especially for those who have experienced trauma. Its message about war, mental health, and love is powerful—reminding us that pain isn’t just tied to war but to many struggles in life. And sometimes, the right person is the only one who can truly help us heal.
This series had all the potential to be one of the biggest hits of 2025, especially with such a strong novel as its foundation. But unfortunately, the adaptation fell short. The biggest issue? Poor direction and production choices that failed to bring the essence of the story to life. Many scenes were altered, and at times, it felt like Li Zan’s character wasn’t given the importance he deserved, especially in the first half of the show.
That being said, Che Zheyuan’s performance as Li Zan was nothing short of extraordinary. His portrayal was so raw and emotionally charged that every moment with him felt real. Despite the weak writing and direction, his acting alone kept The White Olive Tree from falling apart.
One of the show’s strengths was its focus on PTSD and the effects of trauma. Watching Li Zan struggle to open up, trying to protect Song Ran by keeping his pain bottled up, was heartbreaking. Che Zheyuan absolutely nailed every part of that emotional journey, from his volunteer work to the slow-burn romance and his internal battles. His performance proves how much he has grown as an actor, and he truly deserves more high-quality projects.
Strong Chemistry and Standout Performances Keep the Show Engaging
One of the biggest highlights of The White Olive Tree is the incredible chemistry between all the leads. The romance between the main characters was surprisingly engaging—some might find their initial awkwardness a bit too youthful, but personally, I found it charming. Watching them slowly figure out their feelings made their love story feel more natural, and when they finally came together, it was well worth the wait.
The acting was another strong point. Both leads delivered solid performances, bringing emotional depth to a script that, at times, felt lacking. Chen Zhe Yuan, in particular, was outstanding. He truly stole the show, especially in the most intense and emotional scenes. His ability to express raw feelings made the heavier parts of the story even more compelling.
Liang Jie was just as impressive, balancing out Chen Zhe Yuan’s intensity with her natural charm. While he carried much of the show’s emotional weight, her performance added layers to both her character and the overall story. Their chemistry was effortless, making their relationship even more engaging to watch.
The supporting cast also shined, with Wang Tian Chen as Benjamin and Gu Zi Cheng as Sasin standing out. Their performances left a strong impression, and they even gained their own fan following. Their scenes added moments of warmth and humor, which helped balance the show’s heavier themes. At the same time, their storyline had its own emotional depth, delivering moments that were truly touching.
Verdict
The White Olive Tree had the potential to be a standout drama, but weak execution held it back. Overall, while the show had its flaws, the strong chemistry and standout performances kept it engaging and emotionally resonant. Che Zhe Yuan’s powerful performance was the saving grace, delivering raw emotion and depth that kept the show from falling apart.
Trailer
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