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The Sleeping Dictionary (2003)

R  109 min  -  Drama | Romance   -  31 January 2003 (Mexico)
6.6
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Ratings: 6.6/10 from 4,322 users  
Reviews: 50 user | 7 critic

An eager young Englishman is dispatched to Sarawak to become part of the British colonial government... See full summary »

Director:

Guy Jenkin

Writer:

Guy Jenkin
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jessica Alba ...
Selima
Brenda Blethyn ...
Aggie
Hugh Dancy ...
John Truscott
Bob Hoskins ...
Henry
Christopher Ling Lee Ian Christopher Ling Lee Ian ...
Jasmine
Junix Inocian Junix Inocian ...
Famous
Michael Jessing Langgi Michael Jessing Langgi ...
Melaka
Mano Maniam Mano Maniam ...
Policeman
K.K. Moggie K.K. Moggie ...
Tipong
Emily Mortimer ...
Cecil
Cicilia Anak Richard Cicilia Anak Richard ...
Jester Woman
Malcolm Rogers Malcolm Rogers ...
Vicar
Eugene Salleh Eugene Salleh ...
Belansai
Noah Taylor ...
Neville
Kate Helen White Kate Helen White ...
Mandar
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Storyline

An eager young Englishman is dispatched to Sarawak to become part of the British colonial government, encounters some unorthodox local traditions, and finds himself faced with tough decisions of the heart involving the beautiful young Selima, the unwitting object of his affections. Written by Anonymous  

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

Love | Colony | Pith Helmet | Drink | Dancer  | See more »

Taglines:

Learn to speak her language.

Genres:

Drama | Romance

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some sexuality and language See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Country:

USA | Malaysia | Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

(Mexico) See more »

Also Known As:

Selima und John See more »

Filming Locations:

Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia See more »

Box Office

Budget:

$12,000,000 (estimated)
See more »

Company Credits

Show detailed company contact information on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The film used more than 600 Iban extras. See more »

Goofs

Continuity: When Selima and Truscott are given the turquoise bracelets, she takes Truscott's off and wears it. In the next shot, she gives him hers but she's still holding his. See more »

Quotes

Selima: You won't come! They'll say you're an Englishman!
John Truscott: Then I'll tell them I'd rather have you than a country... or a language... or a history.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Be Kind Rewind (2008) See more »

Soundtracks

"East Of The Sun (West Of The Moon)"
Written by Brooks Bowman
Performed by Mary Carewe See more »