Writer: Yap Yew Jin

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"Persona Non Grata" literally means 'an unwelcome person'. However, in Syed Azizi Syed Abdul Aziz's movie of the same name, it is a love story told from a different angle unlike others.

Erra Fazira and Hans Isaac play two completely different individuals. Hey (Erra) is an aspiring artist who made her way to Bangkok due to unforeseen circumstances. Ben (Hans) is a fugitive from the authorities, who meets Hey in Bangkok in a fateful and mysterious manner. As one tries to remember her past, the other struggles to forget his. An unlikely relationship blossomed between them but it must then stand the test of time and distance.

Boasting an all-star cast that includes Singapore's Nicholas Lee and Keegan Kang as well as Thailand's Phattarat Sudprasert (Barbie), "Persona Non Grata" is a unique tale of how love can blossom no matter how impossible it may seem.

This movie has very limited dialog and focuses on a lot of expressions from the movie's many stars. It is never easy to tell a story by expression alone but both Erra and Hans managed that very well.

Speaking of which, the leading couple also looked very comfortable acting with one another in the movie. Having already acted together "Gemilang", their chemistry as lovers in "Persona Non Grata" was clearly shown as Hey and Ben still managed to get together somehow despite the odds.

Another plus point in the movie is that it uses a more mature theme compared to other movies of the same genre. Director Syed Azizi chose to remain loyal to the romance genre and not dramatising the action scenes too much. "Persona Non Grata" is a complicated love story but he tells it in a simple and straight-to-the-point way.

If you are looking for a love story with a different point of view, you won't go wrong with "Persona Non Grata". However, be warned that you may get confused somewhere in the movie but don't worry, you'll be back on track soon enough.

Cinema Online, 23 September 2008