The brothers sun a crime thriller, family drama, action packed series releasing on netflix on thursday, jan 4, 2024. it is created by Brad falchuk and Byron wu for Netflix. The series would consist of 8 episode with wu set to write the story and Tancharoen set to direct the series.
actor Sam Song Li takes on a role that hits close to home, mirroring his experiences as an Asian American Californian. Li, who portrays Bruce, the younger brother of Charles (played by Justin Chien), revealed in a recent Zoom interview that the character and storyline resonate deeply with his own life.
Bruce’s journey unfolds as he discovers his roots in a notorious crime family, a revelation that parallels Li’s own background as the child of a single mother. The series is set in Arcadia, California, providing a backdrop that further aligns with Li’s upbringing. As Bruce navigates the challenges of family secrets and criminal ties, viewers will witness a narrative that extends beyond fiction for the actor.
“Bruce and I have so many similarities in so many shocking ways,” Li shared during the interview. “It was really an extension of myself in a lot of ways.”
The plot introduces Michelle Yeoh as Eileen Sun, tasked with leading the family business after an attempt on her husband’s life leaves him incapacitated. Bruce, meanwhile, is in college, diverting his tuition funds towards improv classes instead of more conventional pursuits. This creative choice resonates with Li’s own academic journey, as he studied film and acting at the University of California, Berkeley, graduating in 2019.
Raised by a single mother, Amy, in Arcadia and Rosemead, California, Li humorously acknowledged the divergence between his chosen career path and his mother’s expectations. “My mom’s an aerospace engineer,” Li revealed. “She’s a literal rocket scientist, so I think she had really high hopes for me to follow in her footsteps and do something just as prestigious.”
Reflecting on his career choice, Li jokingly added, “Instead, she got an actor. All jokes aside, I think she’s very proud of me now.”
Beyond his role in “The Brothers Sun,” Li has carved a niche for himself in the world of comedy. Producing videos on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, he has also honed his skills through improv classes at renowned institutions like the Upright Citizens Brigade and The Groundlings.
The series seamlessly weaves Li’s real-life experiences into the narrative, showcasing a scene where Bruce performs with The Groundlings. In a delightful twist, Li had the opportunity to improvise with actual Groundlings performers, adding an authentic touch to the portrayal.
However, “The Brothers Sun” is not just about comedy for Li. The character of Bruce undergoes a dramatic transformation when faced with the violent realities of his family’s criminal connections. Li, too, explored his own dramatic range, witnessing Bruce grapple with assassins and family secrets.
Describing the filming process, Li highlighted the intentional decision to keep him unaware of the intricacies of the fight choreography. While Charles and the fighters had specific sequences, Li only learned basic blocking to ensure his character’s positioning during the intense scenes.
“They really wanted me to avoid knowing too much,” Li shared. “I think they knew it was just way better if I didn’t know what the hell was going on.”
Addressing the emotional toll of his character’s journey, Li admitted that conveying complex emotions over long filming days was a new challenge. “It was pretty exhausting,” he confessed, emphasizing the stark contrast between on-set emotions and real-life moments of frustration or heartbreak.
Li also touched upon the cultural aspects explored in “The Brothers Sun,” noting the show’s portrayal of the Asian American experience. While the Suns are Taiwanese, and Li was born in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, he emphasized the shared essence of growing up in California. Li, who speaks Mandarin fluently, even found a comedic twist in Bruce’s misunderstanding of Mandarin, contributing to the show’s authenticity.
“The show is a love letter to the Asian American experience,” Li expressed. “The themes of the show, which is the value of family and the mannerisms of respect, really bled into the culture of our workplace, as well.”
As “The Brothers Sun” prepares to premiere, Sam Song Li’s journey in the series stands as a testament to the power of storytelling that reflects real-life struggles. The fusion of humor, drama, and cultural exploration promises an engaging viewing experience, inviting audiences into the intricate world of family, identity, and self-discovery.