Plus & Minus (2022)

 

Plus & Minus (2022) – 7/10

Taiwanese BL • Law Firm Romance • Real-life Couple Onscreen

This drama was a comfort watch, but let’s be real—the biggest reason I (and many others) hit play was because of the real-life romance that blossomed between the leads Max Lin (Cheng Ze Shou) and Matt Lee (Fu Li Gong) during or after filming. That added layer of authenticity made it so much more enjoyable, even when the story itself felt predictable.

The plot follows Zheng Ze Shou, a divorce lawyer, and Fu Li Gong, a notary—best friends since childhood—navigating the shift from platonic to romantic. It's your classic "friends-to-lovers" story, and while it doesn’t do anything wildly new, it delivers those tropes with a soft, warm touch. The pacing is slow but steady, giving you time to sink into the relationship, even if it’s not high on twists or dramatic stakes.

What really worked for me was the natural chemistry between Max and Matt. There’s a certain ease and gentleness in how they look at each other, the casual touches, and the lingering silences—all of which felt believable and emotionally grounded, probably thanks to their offscreen bond.

The second couple’s storyline (Chiang Yi and Yuki Hsin) was… alright, but didn’t have the same pull. The overall tone was chill and mature, though sometimes too mellow for its own good. Not a lot of fireworks, but it didn’t try to be something it wasn’t.

Final thoughts: It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s definitely sweet. 7/10 for a cozy, chemistry-rich watch, especially if you love the behind-the-scenes love stories as much as the onscreen ones.