(Daily Point) — In a transformative performance, Michelle Yeoh challenges the conventional portrayal of women in their 40s and 50s in Hollywood.
While many actresses find themselves relegated to stereotypical roles as mothers, Yeoh, known for her iconic roles in martial-arts cinema, continues to redefine the archetype of the matriarch.
In the eight-episode Netflix action dramedy, “The Brothers Sun,” Yeoh’s character, Eileen Sun (Mama Sun), initially appears as the immigrant mother investing all her energy in the success of the next generation. However, as the series unfolds, Eileen’s own ambitions and relentless drive take center stage, elevating the show beyond mere spectacle.
The narrative follows a divided nuclear family living continents apart. In Los Angeles, Eileen cares for her son Bruce, a medical student with a hidden passion for improv. Unbeknownst to Eileen, Bruce has been diverting tuition checks to fund his true calling. Simultaneously, Bruce’s estranged father, Big Sun, leads a powerful triad, the Jade Dragons, grooming another son, Charles, into a deadly assassin. The Suns separated years ago for their safety, guided by the mantra “Protect the family.”
As Charles, acting as Eileen’s bodyguard, arrives in L.A. after an attempt on Big Sun’s life, the series delves into the complex relationships within the family. Bruce, unaware of his criminal lineage, becomes entangled in a small-scale drug operation while attempting to recover misappropriated tuition money.
The first episode captivates with its fast pace, humor, and inventive combat scenes. “The Brothers Sun” skillfully addresses Hollywood’s reductionist Asian stereotypes, exploring the contrast between the “model minority” nerd, the cutthroat gangster, and the so-called tiger mom without overtly patting itself on the back for its critique.
However, as the season progresses, with episode runtimes exceeding an hour and a growing entanglement involving law enforcement and vigilantes, even the most innovative fight choreography begins to feel like a means to stretch a narrative better suited for a feature film.
