While overseas, I had heard the concept of the movie and the fact the appealing Jessica Alba was featured but had little chance to check on the actual film. When I returned to the USA late last year, I found the film had gone directly to video with limited availability (couldn't get it at Blockbuster, for instance). I am glad that I wound up buying a copy (although I found a 'used' DVD for half the new asking price). It is a shame the film never appeared in theaters as the visuals of Sarawak would have been great on the large screen and the audio and music are well done and would have benefited from a theatrical environment. BELOW IS DISCUSSION OF PLOT ELEMENTS WHICH MIGHT SPOIL IT FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN'T SEEN THE FILM.
While overall the plot line was reasonable and avoided cliche, there were a number of disconnects as far as I was concerned. Truscott's dilemma with Bullard after the miners' slaughter arrives too abruptly and presumes some sort of offscreen confession. Since it is a central conflict in the drama, it really deserves more explanation.
Similarly, the 'one year later' leap to Truscott's marrying Cecil Bullard lacked sincerity. Why would Truscutt marry the daughter of those who wedged him away from his true love? While one can imagine various possibilities, the lack of on screen justification left me unfulfilled. Finally, even after conversion by Sarawak and its people, Truscutt is still too much of a proper Englishman to credibly leave a pregnant wife. Some of the sympathy I'd built up for the forbidden lovers was undercut by the way this was handled. It would have been far better for Cecil to push a reluctant Truscutt away.
Still, these plot issues are relatively small in comparison to a film, cast and cinematography that rose well above the small budget and unheralded distribution. I rarely buy videos or DVDs because I find I seldom go back to play them, but this one I will enjoy owning.
The story of a tempestuous and forbidden love affair between a young Englishman and a beautiful Iban tribeswoman. When John Truscott (Emmy Award-nominee Hugh Dancy 'Black Hawk Down,' 'King Arthur') takes a job in the British colonial outpost of Sarawak, he is given a native servant; Selima (Golden Globe-nominee Jessica Alba 'Sin City,' 'Fantastic Four') who teaches him the local language but also shares his bed.
The Sleeping Dictionary 2003 Download Full
This accepted tradition is monitored closely by Johns crusty superior Henry Bullard (Acadeny Award-nominee Bob Hoskins 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit,' 'Brazil') and his wife Aggie (Academy Award-nominee Brenda Blethyn 'Atonement,' 'Pride & Prejudice') to ensure that no romantic attachments occur. When John and Selima fall openly and passionately in love, the colonial authorities and the native population turn against them unleashing a chain of events that test their resolve to the very limit.Rent $2.99.Buy $9.99. The story of a tempestuous and forbidden love affair between a young Englishman and a beautiful Iban tribeswoman. When John Truscott (Emmy Award-nominee Hugh Dancy 'Black Hawk Down,' 'King Arthur') takes a job in the British colonial outpost of Sarawak, he is given a native servant; Selima (Golden Globe-nominee Jessica Alba 'Sin City,' 'Fantastic Four') who teaches him the local language but also shares his bed. This accepted tradition is monitored closely by Johns crusty superior Henry Bullard (Acadeny Award-nominee Bob Hoskins 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit,' 'Brazil') and his wife Aggie (Academy Award-nominee Brenda Blethyn 'Atonement,' 'Pride & Prejudice') to ensure that no romantic attachments occur. When John and Selima fall openly and passionately in love, the colonial authorities and the native population turn against them unleashing a chain of events that test their resolve to the very limit.Rent $2.99.Buy $9.99View in iTunes.