Excellent story telling and insight into those impacted by war
This drama deserves praise as the story was very well written and the Directors’ choice to use English dialogue in scenes where International teams would, in reality, work together was insightful and significant.
The story of war and conflict between the characters that participate is different to many other C. dramas. The White Olive Tree focuses on the lives of innocent victims, journalists, volunteers and peacekeeping forces who constantly struggle to keep it ‘real’ in such violent and unpredictable circumstances.
The drama has lots of war-action scenes for those who want it. However for me it’s the relationship between the characters and the two leads, as they deal with loss, friendship and the mental and physical wounds associated with conflict that I found most interesting. I also loved the soundtrack which was generally soothing. Cinematography was beautiful.
Despite being a genuinely good drama, it did fail on a number of occasions. In typical C Drama fashion, it was excruciatingly slow and drifted in so many episodes. I don’t understand why C Dramas continue to make dull episodes to fill in an episode quota- maybe it’s a money thing. There was not just repetitive scenes but long drawn out soliloquies and other scenes, while not the same, kept replaying the same themes, interactions and banter that was superfluous to the story or character development.
The Lead Characters’ (Zan and Ran) acting seemed to me a bit inconsistent. At times Chen Zhe Yuan and Liang Ji excelled at expressing the emotions, trauma and fear of conflict and PTSD. Chen in particular just got better with every scene. However, I didn’t find their romantic relationship convincing. I felt that Ran’s character continually felt shy, reserved and awkward around Zan and he was guarded and distant even when they were both talking marriage. Yes they went through the motions of being a couple but it felt he was at times indulging a little sister. I understand that C Dramas are conservative but I don’t think this couple (with their backgrounds) would have been that stiff with one another especially in such a highly charged environment as war.
In addition while we saw some real friendships and loyalties being formed between the characters (in particular Ben and Sasin’s friendship) which was enjoyable to watch. Many supporting actors (in particular non Chinese actors) seemed like comical, dramatic caricatures rather than realistic individuals in a war zone. This was a shame because the mix of ethnic actors added to the authenticity of the war zone itself and created a different culture for the fictional country.
The story of war and conflict between the characters that participate is different to many other C. dramas. The White Olive Tree focuses on the lives of innocent victims, journalists, volunteers and peacekeeping forces who constantly struggle to keep it ‘real’ in such violent and unpredictable circumstances.
The drama has lots of war-action scenes for those who want it. However for me it’s the relationship between the characters and the two leads, as they deal with loss, friendship and the mental and physical wounds associated with conflict that I found most interesting. I also loved the soundtrack which was generally soothing. Cinematography was beautiful.
Despite being a genuinely good drama, it did fail on a number of occasions. In typical C Drama fashion, it was excruciatingly slow and drifted in so many episodes. I don’t understand why C Dramas continue to make dull episodes to fill in an episode quota- maybe it’s a money thing. There was not just repetitive scenes but long drawn out soliloquies and other scenes, while not the same, kept replaying the same themes, interactions and banter that was superfluous to the story or character development.
The Lead Characters’ (Zan and Ran) acting seemed to me a bit inconsistent. At times Chen Zhe Yuan and Liang Ji excelled at expressing the emotions, trauma and fear of conflict and PTSD. Chen in particular just got better with every scene. However, I didn’t find their romantic relationship convincing. I felt that Ran’s character continually felt shy, reserved and awkward around Zan and he was guarded and distant even when they were both talking marriage. Yes they went through the motions of being a couple but it felt he was at times indulging a little sister. I understand that C Dramas are conservative but I don’t think this couple (with their backgrounds) would have been that stiff with one another especially in such a highly charged environment as war.
In addition while we saw some real friendships and loyalties being formed between the characters (in particular Ben and Sasin’s friendship) which was enjoyable to watch. Many supporting actors (in particular non Chinese actors) seemed like comical, dramatic caricatures rather than realistic individuals in a war zone. This was a shame because the mix of ethnic actors added to the authenticity of the war zone itself and created a different culture for the fictional country.
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