Movie guide
The Sleeping Dictionary (2003): movie guide
The Sleeping Dictionary (2003) is a Drama, Romance running about 109 minutes. It holds a TMDB score of 6.6/10 from 198 votes. Notable cast includes Jessica Alba, Brenda Blethyn, Hugh Dancy, Bob Hoskins. Cinema Box covers trailers, cast, and details for discovery — not full streaming.
- Released: 2003-01-31
- Runtime: 109 min
- TMDB: 6.6/10
- Genres: Drama, Romance
Last updated: 2026-11-11 · First listed: 2003-01-31

Get the official Android app on Google Play
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.
Cast highlights
The Sleeping Dictionary features Jessica Alba, Brenda Blethyn, Hugh Dancy, Bob Hoskins, Junix Inocian, Mano Maniam. Open the Cinema Box title page for the full cast list and character credits.
Key facts
Release date: 2003-01-31. Runtime: 109 minutes. TMDB score: 6.6/10 (198 votes). Genres: Drama, Romance. Original language: en. Status: Released.
Discover The Sleeping Dictionary on Cinema Box
Cinema Box is a movie and TV discovery app for Android. Use it to browse The Sleeping Dictionary, watch official trailers when available, save titles to your list, and plan what to watch — without hosting or streaming full films.
Frequently asked questions
- What genre is The Sleeping Dictionary?
- The Sleeping Dictionary is listed as Drama, Romance on TMDB.
- How long is The Sleeping Dictionary?
- The Sleeping Dictionary runs about 109 minutes.
- Who stars in The Sleeping Dictionary?
- Cast highlights include Jessica Alba, Brenda Blethyn, Hugh Dancy, Bob Hoskins, Junix Inocian, Mano Maniam.
- Does Cinema Box stream The Sleeping Dictionary?
- No. Cinema Box is discovery-only — trailers, details, ratings, and watchlists. It does not host or stream full movies.








