The Brothers Sun

The Brothers Sun was better than I thought it would be. The story is about an eldest son of a Taiwanese triad who returns home to Los Angeles after his father is shot. He returns to protect his mother and brother, who has no idea that the family is in the gangster business. It really is a fun watch with a talented cast who all do a great job pulling you into their world. It seems that Michelle Yeoh can do absolutely no wrong. Everything she's in these days is pure gold. This is her first role since winning an Oscar for best actress in Everything Everywhere All at Once and I think she's even better in this. I would like to see another season of this.

I wasn't sure what to expect going into The Brothers Sun but it has everything you want in a good action comedy. Plenty of action, laughs, drama, etc. Outside of Michelle Yeoh, it's made up of a cast of mostly unknowns that are not familiar in America. That should change after this series. Most of them should move on to bigger things here after their job in this. This is just a beautifully acted and written show. I was hooked from the first episode to the last. I was so hooked that I ended up binging all eight episodes as fast as possible. This show knows exactly what it wants to be and doesn't stray and add needless filler just to get to 8 episodes. It's addicting from start to finish. I would not be surprised in the least if this show ends up winning some awards. It's that good.

This show borrows from the themes any fan of 90s Jackie Chan movies or even Chinese movies from Hong Kong- a little funny, tongue in cheek, violent emotional romance. Well written and choreographed, I enjoyed all the references and carefully signposted references to living life- Asian. From demanding parents, to cut throat women who use both brain and brawn to get what they want, to sons trying to find their way through societal expectations and stereotypes... All delivered in humourous witty dialogues. Very entertaining and ofcourse it requires some suspension of belief in it's story line and thank God that's the case. Who needs reality in a world such as ours!

The Brothers Sun is a Netflix series created by Barron Wu and Brad Falchuk who also was the person behind Glee and American Horror Story. This is a Shakespearean.style show filled with action fighting sequences much like Jackie Chan along with John Wick killing spree throughout the show. The script follows Charles Sun, a Taipei.gangster's son, who must travel to Los Angeles to protect his brother and his mother after his father is ruthlessly shot and left in a coma. Loved the comedic style of writing and the culinary journey in the San Gabriel area. The wonderful cast is lead by Michelle Yeoh, Justin Chief, Sam Song Li, and Johnny Kou. Overall great first season, wonderful funny script and it was great to see my old school grounds of Woodbury University. Definitely add this to your list.

I went into this show for Michelle Yeoh. I stayed for the Sun family. I had read some reviews in between so I was prepared to dislike Bruce but surprisingly I could understand him. He's basically the odd man out and he's barely surviving but one thing to note here is the central theme of "Protecting your family". He is real with how he reacts because who wouldn't? Honestly I would've been more annoying especially if my family is just determined to shelter me so what else can you do but focus on your life? He's dopey but makes it up with his determination to protect his family. As Michelle said about her son. He's not weak he's just a good person.

We get one pov from Charles the older brother, the experienced one vs the sheltered younger brother and they both clash. I like that dynamic of like big guy with the small guy trope. Where in the big guy isn't only a badass but also a big softie and the small guy isn't there to be protected but can kick ass too. Add to that family bonding. I loved the development between them made me wish to also have an older brother. I honestly feel so bad for Charles. His character is by far my favorite and hopefully if this gets renewed we get to see more development of his "real" personality.

The show is a mix of action comedy. It doesn't really take itself that seriously. I do wish the action has little bit more... bite? It also got slow early on but picks up again come episode 5. Overall a good binge, nothing too heavy. Just some light family action drama.