The Sleeping Dictionary (2003)

User Rating:

6.5/10   

Director:

Guy Jenkin

Writer:

Guy Jenkin (writer)

Release Date:

31 January 2003 (Mexico)

Genre:

Drama | Romance

Tagline:

Learn to speak her language.

Plot:

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

Plot Keywords:

1930s | First Time Sex | Golf | English | Native American

Awards:

4 wins & 6 nominations

Cast

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

MPAA:

Rated R for some sexuality and language.

Runtime:

109 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Singapore:M18 | Netherlands:12 | Iceland:12 | Finland:K-11 | Argentina:13 | Australia:PG | Brazil:12 | Germany:12 | USA:R | Canada:14A

Filming Locations:

Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

Company:

Fine Line Features

Trivia:

The film used more than 600 Iban extras.

Quotes:

John Truscott: [In a letter to Cecil] Sharing is so much a part of their life that they have no word for "thank you".

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Be Kind Rewind (2008)

Soundtrack:

Mango Tango

Good for what's its worth

I just recently watched this movie on IFC. And was pleasantly surprise when i first started watching it. But as it progressed, it just boggles me at the execution of it.

Firstly, commendable performance from Jessica Alba. I am from Singapore, and the setting is close to my heart. For an American, she has definitely convinced me that she was local. Her accent is shaky, but then again, what's the right accent? But i think she played the role well. The other actors however, feels pretty flat. No ups no downs.

Secondly, for the genre and the setting, this movie can be so much more. The script is very flat, the highs are not high enough, and the lows are not gripping enough. I do not feel for the characters, and I do not care for what this young British is going through.

Thirdly, I couldn't tell that this takes place in the Malayan archipelago until I was told so in the movie. It just seems so contrive, for the lack of a better word. I should be angry, I should feel sad, I should feel that this is the most unfair world to live in. Yet... All i could see is, Jessica Alba doing a great job.

I wish someone would re-write this screenplay, and add to this story, take away the crap that is completely unnecessary and make this as magical as it potentially could be.