The Sleeping Dictionary
“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.
Where to watch The Sleeping Dictionary in United States
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeClick a service to open The Sleeping Dictionary there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.
Where is The Sleeping Dictionary streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | — | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| Canada | — | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| Australia | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video |
| Germany | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, maxdome Store |
| Japan | — | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, FOD |
| South Korea | Watcha | — |
About The Sleeping Dictionary
The Sleeping Dictionary is a 2003 English-language drama and romance film directed by Guy Jenkin. The cast is led by Jessica Alba, Brenda Blethyn, Hugh Dancy. It has a runtime of 1h 49m. Viewers rate it 6.5/10 across 200 ratings. In United States, it is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
The Sleeping Dictionary was produced by Fine Line Features, Hat Trick Productions, and Katira Productions and made in Germany and United Kingdom. It was released on January 31, 2003, and carries a R certification. Made on a budget of about $12 million, it went on to gross $0 million worldwide.
- Director
- Guy Jenkin
- Writers
- Guy Jenkin
- Release date
- January 31, 2003
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- R
- Status
- Released
- Country
- Germany, United Kingdom
- Budget
- $12 million
- Box office
- $0 million
- Production
- Fine Line Features, Hat Trick Productions, Katira Productions
The Sleeping Dictionary cast & crew
The Sleeping Dictionary was directed by Guy Jenkin and written by Guy Jenkin.
The cast features Jessica Alba as Selima, Brenda Blethyn as Aggie, Hugh Dancy as John Truscott, Bob Hoskins as Henry Bullard, Junix Inocian as Famous, and Mano Maniam as Policeman.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Simon Boswell, cinematography is by Martin Fuhrer, and it was produced by Mark Ordesky and Simon Bosanquet.
Is The Sleeping Dictionary worth watching?
The Sleeping Dictionary holds an audience score of 6.5/10 from 186 ratings, a solidly received drama films.
At 1h 49m, it's a standard feature-length watch.
If you enjoy drama and romance, The Sleeping Dictionary is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch The Sleeping Dictionary
The Sleeping Dictionary isn't on a subscription service in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
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Cast of The Sleeping Dictionary
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
The Sleeping Dictionary — FAQs
▸Where can I watch The Sleeping Dictionary in United States?
The Sleeping Dictionary is not on subscription streaming in United States right now, but you can rent or buy it on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies.
▸What language is The Sleeping Dictionary in?
The Sleeping Dictionary is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is The Sleeping Dictionary?
The Sleeping Dictionary runs 1 hours 49 minutes (109 minutes).
▸What is The Sleeping Dictionary rated?
The Sleeping Dictionary is rated R. It holds a 6.5/10 audience score from 186 ratings.
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