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Amazon.ca
Don't let the title fool you: The Sleeping Dictionary is the most seductive argument for foreign-language education a boy ever had. Hugh Dancy is a young and idealistic colonial official posted to Britain's deep-jungle Sarawak outpost in 1939, and Jessica Alba (Dark Angel) is the "sleeping dictionary," a sexy tutor who proves that the fastest way to learn a language is through lovemaking. Guy Jenkin trades in old clichés for new ones in his revision of the exotic old melodramas of forbidden love between handsome colonial men and gorgeous, guileless native girls. Alba's accent slips and slides but she's a sweet, sexy, and beguiling presence, while Bob Hoskins and Brenda Blethyn uphold the all-important appearance of British morality. If you can overlook the contrivances, it makes for a lush romantic fantasy about the triumph of love over the hypocrisy of so-called civilized society. --Sean Axmaker
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
This movie was an unexpected delight. I took my kids to see "Ella Enchanted" and found the prince to be played by Hugh Dancy. Not knowing who he was at the time, I decided to go to the local video store and looking in their big book of movies/actors discovered that he was not only in "BlackHawk Down," but he was in "The Sleeping Dictionary." I ended up watching the movie three times in one week (once with my husband)!
The film's setting was amazing, with lush tropical jungles and rivers. The plot was adventureous and playful. The main characters were engaging and fun to watch. There was great physical and emotional chemistry between the two main characters, so the love scenes were sweet and touching.
I have been recommending this film to my friends and co-workers. For me "The Sleeping Dictionary" is a sleeper that turned into a definate keeper! I will definately be looking for more films with Hugh Dancy! I love that playful and devilish smile!
The film's setting was amazing, with lush tropical jungles and rivers. The plot was adventureous and playful. The main characters were engaging and fun to watch. There was great physical and emotional chemistry between the two main characters, so the love scenes were sweet and touching.
I have been recommending this film to my friends and co-workers. For me "The Sleeping Dictionary" is a sleeper that turned into a definate keeper! I will definately be looking for more films with Hugh Dancy! I love that playful and devilish smile!
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This film has beautiful scenery and fine acting. The story line is good - it makes for good watching. The film is rather dated though and the sex scenes are anything but explicit. The concept of the film is good, but needs to be modernized to make it more inteesting and relevant to the tastes of today's audience.
By patrickb63
Format:DVD
The setting of colonial Sarawak Malaysia of the late 1930s is the turbulent and fertile ground that yields a classic tale of a love that will not be denied. The environment and social structures that are the framework of this narrative are displayed in all their aspects: the natural glory, innocence, and harshness of Southeast Asia as well as the shame, abuse, and idealism of European colonialism.
When cultures collide, there are (at least) sparks. And sparks there are between Selima and John - what a beautiful couple! Add to the mix a setting that could be the Garden of Eden, and you have a volatile brew!
This potent combination is not unique, however. Yet what it points out, in a very satisfying way, is that true and legitimate love does not necessarily have to follow the rigid rules of society, religion, or tradition. One of the truly wonderful aspects of a story such as this is that it reminds us (those of us with open minds) that there is more - much more - than is dreamt of in our provincial philosophies.
What are you defined by? Who do you love? And who decides - you or someone else?
Choose.
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3.7 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sleeping Dictionary
Hugh Dancy is simply fantastic in this movie, the scenery is beautiful and the story line is unusual. Read more
Published on Oct 18 2009 by A. Luke
2.0 out of 5 stars
Visually Stunning but a Farce
I was astonished to read reviews stating that this film is true to the events of the time in Sarawak, as if these reviewers took the time to look up Sarawak on the internet, they... Read more
Published on Jun 21 2004 by J Brooke
4.0 out of 5 stars
A beautiful direct to DVD period movie with Jessica Alba
"The Sleeping Dictionary" was a direct to video film, which is rather surprisingly given both its cast and its look, as borne out by the film winning four DVD Exclusive... Read more
Published on May 18 2004 by Lawrance M. Bernabo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very romantic! Hugh Dancy is great!
Just watched this movie not long ago. I love it! Very romantic with beautiful sceneries and beautiful actors! I was so attracted to Hugh Dancy after watching this. Read more
Published on Mar 2 2004 by "kooltotoro"
5.0 out of 5 stars
I like HUGH DANCY!
Viewers can find many things to criticize about this movie. I am partial to Hugh Dancy. For me, it made a movie I normally wouldn't see worth watching. Read more
Published on Feb 17 2004
5.0 out of 5 stars
HUGH DANCY IS DASHING !
Now, the reason i give it 5 stars is cause of Hugh,I rented this movie about a week ago, And Hugh toppped it,He is the most gorgous thing I've ever seen. Read more
Published on Feb 13 2004
3.0 out of 5 stars
It's okay!
I never, ever heard of this movie and one day i had a good deal at Hollywood video,(buy 2 get 1 free). It looked pretty interesting, so i baught it. It's an ok movie. Read more
Published on Dec 7 2003
2.0 out of 5 stars
While You were Sleeping with the Dictionary
Only one reason to watch THE SLEEPING DICTIONARY, a lackluster romance/1930's period piece film of forbidden love and that is the presence of Jessica Alba (IDLE HANDS,tv's DARK... Read more
Published on Nov 10 2003
4.0 out of 5 stars
Sarawak remembered
I saw this film because it was filmed in Malaysia. I expected it to be about events on the Maylay Peninsula,but it wasn't. Read more
Published on Nov 9 2003 by Eric Hirschfeld
1.0 out of 5 stars
Contrived schlock
This pitiful excuse for vhs tape was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life. Except for Bob Hoskins, I couldn't believe a word anyone mumbled in this incoherent waste of... Read more
Published on Oct 13 2003 by S. C Sochet
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