LayarHijau.com—The new drama starring Chen Zheyuan and Liang Jie, The White Olive Tree, premiered on iQiyi on February 1, 2025. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Jiu Yuexi, The White Olive Tree has become a hot topic among viewers in China.
The story follows a female reporter named Song Ran, played by Liang Jie, as she embarks on an emotional journey while carrying out an interview mission in the tumultuous East Country. During her travels, Song Ran meets Li Zan, portrayed by Chen Zheyuan, and their love begins to blossom amidst various challenges.
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In its first three days of airing, The White Olive Tree topped the charts for Chinese dramas according to data from Maoyan and Vlinkage. According to Guduo, the drama ranked second on its third day. So, what are the initial impressions of viewers in China?
Many viewers have been impressed by Liang Jie’s acting skills. On Weibo, one user expressed their admiration, saying, “Every time I watch The White Olive Tree, I can only say two words: Amazing… How does Liang Jie convey every emotion of Song Ran so accurately?”
Other viewers highlighted emotional moments, such as the uncontrollable tears when Song Ran discovers that her crush has a partner, and how Liang Jie effectively portrays the character’s psychological pain.
“Liang Jie’s acting shines in The White Olive Tree; she vividly visualizes Song Ran’s psychological suffering,” wrote one netizen. Many hope that Song Ran will find happiness soon and wish for Liang Jie to have fewer tears in her role.
Meanwhile, Chen Zheyuan has also received praise from viewers. One comment on Weibo noted, “Chen Zheyuan’s change of expression is truly impressive. He conveys Li Zan’s mood shifts just with his gaze. Incredible.”
Other viewers remarked on Chen Zheyuan’s ability to express deep emotions through subtle eye movements, making the character of Li Zan feel more alive and relatable.
However, not all viewers provided positive reviews. On Douban, some users criticized the pacing of the story, feeling that the setting and filming techniques seemed unrealistic. They suggested that the director learn from Korean productions that better create atmosphere. “The rhythm of this drama is odd, and the actors’ performances seem too obvious,” one comment stated.
Some viewers also felt that the interactions between the main characters felt stiff and unnatural. “The male protagonist seems like a smiling AI, and the female protagonist lacks personality,” wrote one netizen, highlighting the lack of emotional depth in the dialogues and encounters between the two characters.
Additionally, many viewers expressed confusion over the plot, especially when it abruptly shifts from one location to another without clear transitions. The main characters meet unexpectedly, appearing in Dongguo, then in China, and back to Dongguo again, which confuses the audience and lacks a natural flow, as noted by Upmedia.
The White Olive Tree has successfully captured viewers’ attention with its emotional narrative, particularly through Liang Jie’s performance. While many admire her acting, criticisms regarding the pacing and storytelling also cannot be overlooked. The drama demonstrates that, despite its successful elements, there is still room for improvement in character development and plot arrangement. The varied responses from viewers reflect the complex dynamics in the drama world, where hopes and expectations often clash.
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