The Sleeping Dictionary

2003·Movie
1h 49min·R
64
DecentGoodWatch score

Where to watch

No stream option in US yet.

Links go to licensed services. Data from JustWatch and TMDB.

The Sleeping Dictionary fingerprint

Strong craft, low-key.

Energy

Calm and low-key

Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.

  • Tension4
  • Spectacle4
  • Adrenaline3

Heart

Deeply romantic and wondrous

Much of it is about growing up.

  • Romance9
  • Coming of Age7
  • Wonder7

Humor

Some sharp wit

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Wit & Wordplay5
  • Cringe Humor2
  • Situational Comedy1

World

History, growing up, and society

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion9
  • Dialogue Centrality7
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Standout characters

  • Character Depth8
  • Direction7
  • Acting7

Style

Standout cinematography

  • Cinematography8
  • Music Composition7
  • Editing6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchPure EscapismThought-Provoking

Skip it if

You want fast pacing

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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

He's an unexpected education.

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.
Period RomanceColonial DramaCultural ClashForbidden LoveLush CinematographyExotic SettingSlow Burn NarrativeHeartfelt Character DevelopmentCross-Cultural Exploration

Crew

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

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Questions about The Sleeping Dictionary

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Sleeping Dictionary legally?

You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Sleeping Dictionary worth watching?

64
DecentGoodWatch score

Mostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 65/100 (IMDb 6.5). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Sleeping Dictionary rated?

RSexual content

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content.

How long is The Sleeping Dictionary?

1 h 49 min

The Sleeping Dictionary runs 1 h 49 min.

Was The Sleeping Dictionary a box office hit?

Budget$12 million
Box office$57,524

No. It cost about $12 million to make and earned $57,524 worldwide, 0% of its budget.

What language is The Sleeping Dictionary in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in Germany, United Kingdom, United States.

In how many countries can I watch The Sleeping Dictionary?

25ARATAUBOCACHCLCOCRDEECGTHNIT+11

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Sleeping Dictionary in 25 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

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