The Sleeping Dictionary
“He's an unexpected education.”
Synopsis
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.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Sleeping DictionaryOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2014-02-05
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Jessica Alba
Selima
Brenda Blethyn
Aggie
Hugh Dancy
John Truscott
Bob Hoskins
Henry Bullard
Junix Inocian
Famous
Mano Maniam
Policeman
K.K. Moggie
Tipong
Emily Mortimer
Cecil
Noah Taylor
Neville
Christopher Ling Lee Ian
Jasmine
Michael Jessing Langgi
Melaka
Cicilia Anak Richard
Jester Woman
Malcolm Rogers
Vicar
Eugene Salleh
Belansai
Kate Helen White
Mandar
Release History & Theatrical Window
February 18, 2003
Wide Cinema Exhibition
January 6, 2005
Physical Home Media
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$12M
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$58K
Total global ticket sales
Box Office Return
0x
-$11.9M deficit
Theatrical Status
Budget Return
Box office tier
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Guy Jenkin
- Screenplay & Story
- Guy Jenkin
- Original Score
- Simon Boswell
- Original Title
- The Sleeping Dictionary
- Country of Origin
- Germany, United Kingdom, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 49m
- Production Budget
- $12M
- Worldwide Gross
- $58K
- Production Studios
- Fine Line Features, Hat Trick Productions, Katira Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Guy Jenkin
Guy Jenkin
Simon Boswell
Martin Fuhrer
Lesley Walker
Frank Hildebrand, Jimmy Mulville, Denise O'Donoghue, Mark Ordesky, Simon Bosanquet
Department Leadership Roster
Guy Jenkin
Writer
Guy Jenkin
Director
Simon Holland
Production Design
Martin Fuhrer
Director of Photography
Jimmy Mulville
Producer
Denise O'Donoghue
Producer
Simon Bosanquet
Producer
Lesley Walker
Editor
Simon Boswell
Original Music Composer
Penny Rose
Costume Design
Mark Lisbon
Stunt Coordinator
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Sleeping Dictionary.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Sleeping Dictionary.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Sleeping Dictionary
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Sleeping Dictionary about?
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.
Who directed The Sleeping Dictionary?
The Sleeping Dictionary was directed by Guy Jenkin.
Who stars in The Sleeping Dictionary?
The principal cast of The Sleeping Dictionary includes Jessica Alba, Brenda Blethyn, Hugh Dancy, Bob Hoskins, Junix Inocian.
When was The Sleeping Dictionary released and how long is it?
The Sleeping Dictionary was released in 2003 with a total runtime of 1h 49m.
What was the box office and production budget of The Sleeping Dictionary?
The Sleeping Dictionary had a reported production budget of $12M and grossed $58K at the worldwide box office (0 return on budget, classified as a underperformed).
Who composed the musical score for The Sleeping Dictionary?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Sleeping Dictionary was composed by Simon Boswell.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Sleeping Dictionary?
The Sleeping Dictionary holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).