The dynamic appeal of action in ‘The Brothers Sun’
Action movies always grab people’s attention, but the ones that really stand out are the ones rooted in tradition and culture. These films manage to mix excitement with a meaningful cultural backdrop.
Recently, we’ve seen a new wave of action movies bringing both action and heart, showing life from an ethnic perspective. Everything Everywhere All At Once in 2022 is a perfect example.
It’s one of the most awarded films ever, telling a simple story of a Chinese immigrant family, led by its matriarch played by Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh running a small laundromat and facing a threatening Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit.
Right from the start, the film may seem like a family drama – and it is. Yet, woven between the poignant struggles of the immigrant parents and their first-generation child, there is an interdimensional war.
It’s a tale of conflict in both familial aspect and the otherworldly, with multiverses and a diverse cast of eclectic assassins adding an unexpected layer to the narrative.
The explosive action sequences are a delightful homage to classic martial arts and kung-fu movies, while the outlandish sci-fi elements add a touch of humour.
However, the heart of the film lies in its familial narrative, where each member grapples with distinct challenges, navigating a labyrinth of sacrifices in the pursuit of what they believe is a better life. It captures a generational struggle; with the older generation resistant to embracing change, while the youth grapple to reconcile traditional upbringings with the demands of contemporary living.
I mean what other movie could punch you in the emotional gut, with a scene involving two sentient rocks with googly eyes? Not many, I gather.
Written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All At Once is a masterpiece, a rare gem that not only garnered global acclaim for its profound storytelling but also paid homage to the golden era of classic martial arts and kung-fu cinema.
Despite its lightning-in-a-bottle success, the film has paved the way for similar productions to be both created and well-received. As it has uncovered a hunger for narratives with diverse perspectives, coupled with meticulously choreographed fight scenes.
Fortunately, The Brothers Sun, a Netflix series co-created by Brad Falchuk and Byron Wu, carries this torch but through a different lens, as it delves into the gritty realm of gang wars and shining a spotlight on Asian criminal organisations like the yakuza and the triad.
The narrative centres on Charles ‘Chairleg’ Sun, portrayed by Justin Chien, the eldest son of a triad leader.
He embarks on a journey to Los Angeles to shield his remaining family members from the aftermath of an assassination attempt. His mother, Eileen ‘Mama’ Sun, played by Michelle Yeoh, had left him in Taiwan as a child to move to America for the organisation’s protection. Bruce Sun, his little brother portrayed by Sam Song, remains oblivious to the criminal ties within the family.
Charles, anticipating a brother who could assist him in avenging their father, is instead confronted with Bruce – a struggling medical student and mama’s boy with aspirations of becoming an improv actor.
Upon Charles’ reunion with his family, the imperative becomes uncovering the truth behind the assassination attempt.
However, while Charles is ready to plunge into a full-scale gang war, his mother Eileen, sees that there is more than meets the eye, choosing to employ her cunningness and her ties to the Chinese diaspora in Los Angeles to resolve matters.
Recognising that Bruce isn’t suited for the criminal life, both Charles and Eileen strive to protect and shield him. Yet, a conflict arises between the pursuit of self-autonomy and the duty to the family.
It’s a fish-out-of-water story on various fronts – Charles navigating the intricacies of the Los Angeles underworld, and Bruce grappling with both the complexities of criminal life and the enduring customs and traditions maintained by the family.
The series impresses with lots of cool fight scenes, taking ideas from old martial arts movies with the use of props and martial arts moves and skilfully choreographed in several eclectically cultural locations like a Korean Spa.
The series takes us deep into the Asian diaspora, following the Sun family as they unravel the mystery. During their journey, the Sun family encounters their American counterparts in the underworld, including twin sisters who reign over the nightclub scene.
The series vividly portrays everyday locations like seafood restaurants, fabric markets, and scenes of Chinese aunties playing mahjong, providing a rich backdrop for the unfolding gang conflict.
Moreover, the series delves into the hardships faced by immigrants, exposing the harsh reality of human trafficking. It brings to light the significant number of hidden victims affected by these unseen crimes, shedding a poignant spotlight on an often overlooked aspect of their experience.
However, it’s not all sombre. Amidst the cultural display, the series does not overlook the nuances of Asian family politics; the passive-aggressiveness, the coded messages and the overwhelming sense of duty.
In various parts, it serves as a source of comic relief, yet in others, it strikes a personal chord – especially for those well-versed in navigating the mental gymnastics within our families.
Charles, despite being a formidable gangster and the strongest fighter in his triad, constantly seeks validation from the mother he never had the chance to know. It’s particularly heart-breaking to witness his yearning for the affection his mother showers on his younger brother, given with complete adoration.
On the flip side, Yeoh’s portrayal of Eileen is remarkably complex. Unlike her other roles, Yeoh adopts a subdued approach in the series, opting to wage the war using her ingenuity and cunningness instead.
At times, you find yourself admiring her silent strength and iron will, but there’s also room for criticism regarding the choices she made, such as separating her two boys and providing a normal life to only one.
The series unexpectedly, delivers more than just exhilarating fun; it provides a heartfelt portrayal of familial dynamics with surprising depth.
This portrayal might genuinely prompt you to reflect on your own filial ties, considering the complexities and perhaps the unresolved feelings that accompany them.
The series intertwines thrilling sequences with a heartfelt narrative, creating an experience that not only captivates but also invites personal introspection so if you’re seeking a blend of adrenaline and emotional resonance, The Brothers Sun is a compelling choice. – Wardi Wasil
