'The Brothers Sun' Review | Michelle Yeoh starrer delivers a perfect blend of action, comedy and emotions
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Brothers Sun', one of the first releases of 2024 on Netflix, has taken the audience by surprise for its smooth narrative, subtle action, and powerful performances.
'The Brothers Sun' premiered on Netflix on Thursday, January 4. The American black comedy series features Asian actors and attempts an entertaining watch in a worn-out genre.
What is the plot of 'The Brothers Sun'?
It's a regular day for Charles Sun baking a cake and breaking a few legs. Charles Sun (Justin Chien) is the next in line to take over Big Sun's empire in Taipei.
However, a sudden attack from a gang of assassins and a subsequent bullet injury to his father makes him move across the world to reunite with his mother and younger brother and save them from what's about to come!
The premise is set in the pilot episode. Charles is a trained warrior and knows all about the functioning of the Triads. He will save the day and you know it from the beginning but the unravelling of new secrets, the instances of backstabbing, and the shift of power throughout the series is what keeps the audience interested.
Charles Sun has the ultimate duty of protecting his family at all costs. 15 years ago, his mother, Eileen Sun, and brother, Bruce Sun, had shifted to Los Angeles for the same cause.
Bruce (Sam Song Li), a soft-natured teen has a hard time accepting that he hails from a gangster family. One day, he is juggling between his premed school and improv classes, and the next day, he is disposing of dead bodies.
"I am not a criminal," Bruce says to strongly establish that he and Charles belong from two different worlds altogether.
Michelle Yeoh as Eileen Sun isn't just a regular mother. She has her secrets buried deep in the past! The 61-year-old actress may not be smashing heads and breaking bones but has smart tactics to tackle life-threatening situations. Will you see her in action at all? Well, the makers won't disappoint you but you'll have to stick around for it.
'The Brothers Sun' is packed with sleek action and a gripping narrative. However, the occasional comic punches and the progression of brotherly bonds make it even more interesting.
'The Brothers Sun' stars deliver stellar performances
Justin Chien, as a ruthless defender of Jade Dragons, becomes too lovable as the story progresses. The sharp killer, who casually boils a human head in his kitchen and smashes the skull on his dining table gets to embrace his soft side as his mother and brother step up to save the family.
Sam Song Li as Bruce resonates as a regular American teen. His comic timing and outpour of emotions add essence to the gangster family drama.
The soul of the series is undoubtedly, Michelle Yeoh who steals the show in every frame. From being a passive-aggressive mother to her adult son to being a seasoned gangster who doesn't need weapons to turn tables, she swiftly changes gear and blows your mind.
With the agony in her eyes when she learns about her sister's death, the hunger for revenge when her husband betrays her, and the love she has for both her sons, Michelle beautifully projects her years of experience in this Netflix series.
Joon Lee as TK, Jon Xue Zhang as Blood Boots, Jenny Yang as Xing, and Alice Hewkin as May do decent jobs as supporting cast with limited screen time.
'The Brothers Sun': Final verdict
The eight-episodic series doesn't deviate from the main plot which makes it easy to watch. The makers make use of the usual tactics of keeping the audience hooked by ending each episode on a cliffhanger.
Charles Sun and Eileen Sun make a great team as they bring completely different traits and strategies to the table. If there would be a Season 2, it would be great to watch them both taking over the Triad. Bruce is a comic relief till the very end.
Brad Falchuk and Byron Wu, the creators of the show, do justice to Michelle Yeoh's talent.