Writer: Nur Safina Othman

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Watch this if you liked: "Heart", "Tipu Kanan Tipu Kiri", "Love Is Cinta"

"Saus Kacang", a new movie starring Malaysian actor Ashraf Sinclair and his Indonesian wife Bunga Citra Lestari, is directed by Indrayanto Kurniawan.

Set in the beautiful of Bali, the movie revolves around Dewi (Bunga Citra Lestari), a chef at a five star hotel and Fredo (Ashraf Sinclair), a Malaysian tourist. During Fredo's stay at the hotel, he causes a lot of grief for the hotel employees. Nevertheless, Dewi has a motto that says, "No guest is ever too difficult". So through the challenge of 'handling' Fredo, both start to grow feelings for each other. However, complications arise when Fredo's ex-fiancee, Mae (Marsha Milan Londoh) goes to Bali to win him back. Dewi worries that their love will end.

Acting-wise, Bunga Citra Lestari ("Cinta Pertama", "Kangen") does a great job in this movie. She is really comfortable with her role and looks ever so natural. However, "Gol dan Gincu" star Ashraf Sinclair appears very unconvincing in terms of his acting abilities. This is also first appearance for lead singer of Samsons, Bams, in a movie. Beside that, Marsha Milan Londoh also stars in this movie as Fredo's ex-fiancee, Mae.

The plot is simple and easy to understand, just like any other love story. However, it is really disappointing to hear Fredo's Indonesian dialogues. I understand Lintang Pramudya Wardani, an Indonesian scriptwriter, is responsible for the script. However it is obvious that Fredo is a Malaysian tourist in the film. Wouldn't it be better if Ashraf speaks like a Malaysian instead?

One thing that they at least got right was the setting in Bali, Indonesia, where the director successfully shows the beautiful of the island to audiences who have not visited.

Cinema Online, 19 March 2009