The Brothers Sun is an action-comedy drama that centers around a Taiwanese family who are part of Taipei’s most renowned gangsters. There is action, adventure, dark humor, and also a win for Asian representation. Hollywood has come a long way when it comes to showing real representation in film/ television series and Netflix has done an exceptional job in The Brothers Sun series. The cast opens up on the importance of the authenticity of the culture and how the series helped generate a voice for communities who are less represented.
INCLUSIONS WITH AN ALL-ASIAN CAST AND CREW
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There’s no one better to produce a television series than a group of people who can relate closely to the characters. According to Highdee Kuan, one thing that was great about the show was how detailed it was.
“It’s extremely detail oriented and specific in terms of being in the San Gabriel Valley, the Taiwanese-Americans, the Asian-Americans but at the same time, the themes are so universal and broad. You can really extrapolate universal messaging from it. I think that’s what makes it so satisfying that you get to play specific roles but also in a universe that’s just so well crafted.”
-Highdee Kuan, Alexis in ‘The Brothers Sun’-
Madison Hu chimes in explaining that having an all Asian cast and crew was a huge part in diving into these characters and understanding the culture.
“I think having an all Asian cast was one huge part of it. At the same time, the all Asian writers room, our stunt team, in front of the camera, behind the camera, people who knew the culture, specifically, like, the hardships of being Asian-American and the joy and excitement as well. I think straddling that was such a gift and it was easy to do because of the writers and the story where it’s situated itself.”
-Madison Hu, Grace in ‘The Brothers Sun’-
THE INTRODUCTION OF EAST ASIAN CULTURE TO AUDIENCES AND THE RELATABILITY TO THE NEW GENERATIONS
According to Jon Xue Zhang, the series doesn’t only show the relatability for Asian audiences but also an introduction of the culture to non-Asian viewers.
“I would personally say that the show gives an insight into the nuances of East Asian culture which Asian audiences are going to really enjoy the references that we put in and non-Asian audiences are certainly going to be introduced to them and leave them wanting more.”
-Jon Xue Zhang, Blood Boots in ‘The Brothers Sun’-
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Justin Chien explains that having the script highlighting the specificities of their culture without having to explain was what makes this series so empowering.
“Coming back to a story that was written by Byron [Wu] and an all Asian writer’s room and the reason why that’s important is because we don’t have to explain why we are the way we are. This is a story mainly about Americans who happen to be Asian. I hope people that watch it, the next generation coming up, I hope they can see how far we’ve come but also how much progress there is.”
-Justin Chien, Charles in ‘The Brothers Sun’-
The Brothers Sun (Season One) is now streaming on Netflix. You can check out our full review of the series here.
About The Brothers Sun
Release Date: January 4, 2024
Created By: Brad Falchuk, Byron Wu
Executive Producers: Brad Falchuk, Byron Wu, Mikkel Bondesen, Kevin Tancharoen
Producers: John H. Radulovic
Distribution: Netflix
Cast: Michelle Yeoh, Justin Chien, Sam Song Li, Highdee Kuan, Joon Lee, Jon Xue Xhang, Alice Hewkin, Jenny Yang, Madison Hu
Synopsis
When the head of a powerful Taiwanese triad is shot by a mysterious assassin, his eldest son, legendary killer Charles “Charileg” Sun (Justin Chien) heads to Los Angeles to protect his mother, Eileen (Michelle Yeoh), and his naive younger brother, Bruce (Sam Song Li) – who’s been completely sheltered from the truth of his family until now. But as Taipei’s deadliest societies and a new rising faction go head-to-head for dominance – Charles, Bruce and their mother must heal the wounds caused by their separation and figure out what brotherhood and family truly mean before one of their countless enemies kills them all.
Have you watched The Brothers Sun yet? Did you think the series did a good job in representing Asian-American culture? Were there specific moments where you felt seen? Let us know and don’t forget to check out our socials! If you would like to read more, follow us for more content like this.
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