Yoshiki talks new documentary film Yoshiki Under the Sky
In a riveting interview with Sam Li, the talented actor behind the character Bruce Sun in Netflix’s upcoming series, “The Brothers Sun,” we delved into the intricate plotlines and compelling family dynamics that define this gripping tale. Premiering on January 4, 2024, “The Brothers Sun” takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride through the hidden realms of the Taiwanese triad, all while exploring the complex relationships between estranged siblings.
Born in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China, Sam Li’s personal journey mirrors the cross-cultural narrative of the show having been raised in Southern California, the very city that serves as the backdrop for the Sun family’s tumultuous saga.
The life of this average Californian, Bruce gets turned upside down once his older brother, Charles visits Los Angeles from Taipei, Taiwan. Bruce, oblivious to his family’s criminal ties, is suddenly thrust into a world of danger and intrigue. Having no recollection of his past in Taipei, Bruce soon learns about his family’s profession as Taipei renowned gangsters, with his brother being a hardened criminal raised by his late crime boss father.
As the plot unfolds, viewers witness the challenges of adaptation and reconciliation. Charles, forced to relocate to LA after his father’s assassination, seeks to protect his family. Bruce, on the other hand, grapples with the shock of discovering his family’s criminal legacy. His mother’s effort to build a life away from her estranged family proves futile, as now Bruce has to adapt to the gangster life of his family.
The show, despite being about the triad world, is also a story of brothers and trying to repair sibling relationships for me. You have two brothers who will never truly understand the other, having grown up apart in two completely different worlds.The duality of their lives is striking, with Charles training to become the deadliest assassin in Taiwan, while Bruce, the average Californian, aspires to fulfill his mother’s dream and become a doctor.
“The Brothers Sun” promises a thrilling blend of action, emotion, and suspense, anchored by the nuanced performances of its cast. Sam Li’s portrayal of Bruce Sun adds depth to the character, making him a relatable figure caught between two worlds. As the series unfolds, audiences will be captivated by the intricate web of family secrets, crime, and the unbreakable bonds that define “The Brothers Sun.” Prepare for a binge-worthy experience this January 4, 2024, only on Netflix.
PixCake
*Photo credit: Ziyang Wang
Photography by Dijana Mesin
Christmas on Cherry Lane was a unique and thoughtful film that followed the story of three families simultaneously. We witness each family member’s festivities, traditions, worries and anxiety, especially pertaining to their holiday plans.
The film’s brilliant showcase of separate plots over various decades was perfected effortlessly and beautifully by both the writer and director. Christmas on Cherry Lane had a unique “big picture” take and gave us both a bird’s eye view and fly on the wall perceptions. The audience stepped into each of the three houses and rooted for each person to manage to surpass their personal obstacles.
The film was not only a sentimental and thoughtful seasonal movie but also a confirmation of how we’re all connected. The sense of humanity and empathy in the movie was done intentionally and with a purpose. Audience members discovered how all the families have been connected through different generations thanks to the protagonist’s evolution from being a teen to an elderly resident in the community tying it all together.
Besides Christmas on Cherry Lane displaying charming holiday themes, the movie philosophically confirmed the domino effect of our actions and the beauty of us all being connected with each other over decades of time. It’s a family friendly film that tugs at your heart strings and leaves a lasting effect of hope and positivity on the watcher and perhaps even a tear or two (guilty!).
The new series Bookie is now streaming on Max.
Bookie is a new comedy series that follows longtime bookie Danny (Sebastian Maniscalco) and his best friend Ray (Omar J. Dorsey) as they collect bets, and try to keep their gambling business afloat in Los Angeles. Cast also includes Vanessa Ferlito, Jorge Garcia, Andrea Anders and Maxim Swinton, with appearances from Charlie Sheen, Ray Romano and Angus T. Jones. The series is created by Chuck Lorre and Nick Bakay.
The Knockturnal recently interviewed Omar and Sebastian about the series. They told us about the origin of this show, working with the creators and finding chemistry with their co-stars. Following his audition, Omar showed up for his chemistry test with Sebastian, he told us, “we were knocking it out of the park…throwing it back and forth with the jokes and it felt really good and it just felt like we were a team.” Sebastian was already signed up to star in this show and he told us about finding his screen partner, “we met Omar at the screen test, he was the guy. He had a swagger about him.” From the first days of filming to wrapping this series the guys knew they had created an extremely funny show. Sabastian told us, “it’s digestible comedy, it’s quick, it’s clever. You get to see a great cast, a collaboration of some really, really great talent.”
Watch Bookie now on Max with new episodes on Thursdays.
Ever wonder if your favorite SNL stars get nervous before a show or if they get star struck when getting to work with a new host? Now’s your time to find out!
SNL episodes have a fast turnaround rate and the actors are all tremendously talented at being able to adapt quickly to new scripts, characters and changes that are being made. Not only are they adapting to those elements, but to add in another level, they work alongside new hosts frequently.
Some of the SNL cast confessed to getting star struck when working with Emma Stone, Kendrick Lamar and Bad Bunny. Others admitted that they still get nervous before getting on stage despite all the practice they’ve had and the amount of years they’ve been with the show. However, as one actor said, “feeling nervous means you care,” and I couldn’t agree more.
The cast lit up the red carpet with their charm, witty jokes and honesty. The tight knit members often spoke highly of each other and served as each other’s hype men and woman. Given the amount of long hours they put into the show, the actors dotingly told me that they consider each other family, and that was more than evident on the AMNH’s Gala red carpet.
The actor best known for his portrayal of “Young Randall” in NBC’s This is Us, has so much to offer the world of entertainment, including his new role as Eli, a teenage boy with high functioning autism.
Best known for his roles in comedies like The Hot Chick and Grown Ups, the seasoned actor made room for his own daughters to act alongside him in this adorable family comedy.
The Grammy-nominated alternative producer and artist created his new album, New Growth, with the intention of highlighting moments in life that shift perspectives into the direction of acceptance.