Activate your BLOCKBUSTER On Demand device

The Sleeping Dictionary (2002)

The Sleeping Dictionary (2002)
Play Trailer and Clips
Member Rating:  
Guy Jenkin directs this straight-to-video romantic drama shot on-location in Malaysia. In the rainforests of Boreno in the 1930s, English officer John Truscott (Hugh Dancy) accepts a position to colonize the native population of Sarawak at the request of the British government. In following with the native tradition, he is given the services of a servant, Selima (Jessica Alba). A position that British officers refer to as a "sleeping dictionary," she is a concubine to share his bed and teach him the local language. The tradition forbids romantic entanglements, so the relationship is watched over by superior officer Henry Bullard (Bob Hoskins) and his wife, Aggie (Brenda Blethyn). When Selima and John fall madly in love, they enrage both the colonizers and the colonized. Also starring Emily Mortimer and Noah Taylor. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

 Read More


Starring:
Hugh DancyJessica Alba, (more)
Director(s):
Guy Jenkin
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
View All Versions to rent and buy
 
 
 
 

Synopsis of The Sleeping Dictionary

Guy Jenkin directs this straight-to-video romantic drama shot on-location in Malaysia. In the rainforests of Boreno in the 1930s, English officer John Truscott (Hugh Dancy) accepts a position to colonize the native population of Sarawak at the request of the British government. In following with the native tradition, he is given the services of a servant, Selima (Jessica Alba). A position that British officers refer to as a "sleeping dictionary," she is a concubine to share his bed and teach him the local language. The tradition forbids romantic entanglements, so the relationship is watched over by superior officer Henry Bullard (Bob Hoskins) and his wife, Aggie (Brenda Blethyn). When Selima and John fall madly in love, they enrage both the colonizers and the colonized. Also starring Emily Mortimer and Noah Taylor. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
109 mins

Complete Cast of The Sleeping Dictionary


Director(s):
Guy Jenkin
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Categories:
Romance
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

Looking for special editions of The Sleeping Dictionary?
See All Versions
Subtitles:
Check All Versions
Closed Captioning:
Check All Versions
 
 
 
 

BY MAIL

Monthly Subscription 
NEW! 7 - Day Rental
No subscription required. Usually ships in 24 hours.
 
BuyPreviously Viewed   $7.99
(disc only) 

Previously Viewed   $9.99
(disc, case & artwork)
 

IN-STORE

 

What's Your Take?

Add to FavoritesIn Favorites  |  Share:     Email to a friendShare on FacebookShare on Twitter
YOUR REVIEW
WRITE A REVIEW
 
1000 
 
Member Reviews
 
A S.

Great movie, great story. Emotional romantic drama with brilliant acting. A must see, especially for Alba fans

Yes   |   No

 
Ken B.

Excellent movie. I don't usually go in for love stories but this one has a unique historical plot. It centers around a different culture, place and time. Great acting, directing and cinematography.

Yes   |   No

 
JOE P.

A better story than I expected. Following your heart sometimes has unexpected, painful consequences. By the way, if you're hoping to see Jessica Alba naked --- I'm 99% sure they used a body double.

Yes   |   No

 
Read All 24 Reviews