The Sleeping Dictionary
Seen it?2003 | 109 min | Drama, Romance
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With a box office loss, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics. If you loved Romeo and Juliet, start here.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 49 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
In the 1930s, British officer John Truscott journeys to a remote village in colonial Malaysia to educate and Westernize the local Iban population. There, he's introduced to the lovely Selima. In keeping with tradition, Selima is assigned to sleep with Truscott and teach him the native language and customs. But when they fall in love, both colonists and natives object to their plans to marry.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesSolid
6.6 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$58K worldwide on a $12 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 106K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Guy Jenkin
- Jessica AlbaSelima
- Brenda BlethynAggie
- Hugh DancyJohn Truscott
- Bob HoskinsHenry Bullard
- Junix InocianFamous
- Mano ManiamPoliceman
- K.K. MoggieTipong
- Emily MortimerCecil
- Noah TaylorNeville
- Christopher Ling Lee IanJasmine