For actors Justin Chien and Sam Song Li,The Brothers Sunblurred the line between reality and fiction.
His estranged brother, however, is completely oblivious to his familys ties to the criminal underworld.
For the young stars, it was startling to come across a story that closely mirrored their own lives.
Michelle Yeoh, Sam Song Li, and Justin Chien on ‘The Brothers Sun’.Netflix
Out of all the auditions I’ve done, this was the one that resonated with me the most.
I was like, I know who this is.
So there was a lot that I could draw from my own personal experience.
Justin Chien and Sam Song Li on ‘The Brothers Sun’.Michael Desmond/Netflix
Perhaps the gig didnt require too much acting from the onscreen brothers, then?
Well, I dont kill people on a regular basis, Chien quips.
Ah, right, the killings.
Justin Chien on ‘The Brothers Sun’.Netflix
“It gave me insight into why baking is so important for Charles,” he says.
“you might’t freestyle.
Everything has to be precise: the timing, the milligram of sugar.
That became fundamental to Bruce, to approach his life with a ‘Yes, and…’ mentality.
I think that’s why he adapts so well in the triad world.”
While danger looms large, the Suns must also heal the wounds sparked by their separation.
Who wouldn’t be, right?
It’s Michelle freaking Yeoh!
But she has such an inviting presence.
She’s so generous with her energy that instantly I felt like I’d known her for years.
I felt like I was talking to my own mom.
You’re so tense.
you better just chill out!
Im not going toe-to-toe with the legend here."
The series, Li observes, “is all about choices.”
“At the end of the day, you’re not living for someone else,” he says.
“Be bold in your choices.
Make them confidently for yourself.”
The Brothers Sunis streaming on Netflix.
