The Sleeping Dictionary is a romantic drama film that was released in 2003. The movie is set in the colonial era of Sarawak, a state in Malaysia. The movie tells the story of a young Englishman named John Truscott who was sent to Sarawak to teach English to the natives. John falls in love with a local girl named Selima, who becomes his sleeping dictionary, teaching him the local language and customs.
The Plot
John Truscott arrives in Sarawak with the aim of teaching the natives English. He is initially greeted with hostility by the locals, who view him as an intruder. However, he soon meets Selima, a beautiful local girl who becomes his guide and interpreter. John is fascinated by Selima’s beauty and intelligence and falls in love with her. Selima becomes John’s sleeping dictionary, teaching him the local language and customs.
As John spends more time with Selima, he becomes more aware of the injustices and oppression faced by the local people. He begins to question his role as a colonial administrator and starts to sympathize with the local people. John’s growing affection for Selima puts him in conflict with the local authorities and the colonial system.
The Characters
The Sleeping Dictionary features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personality and backstory. Here are some of the main characters:
- John Truscott: A young Englishman who is sent to Sarawak to teach the natives English. He falls in love with Selima and becomes disillusioned with the colonial system.
- Selima: A beautiful local girl who becomes John’s guide and interpreter. She teaches him the local language and customs and falls in love with him.
- Harry: John’s colleague and friend who is also a colonial administrator. He is more cynical about the colonial system and warns John about getting too involved with Selima.
- Henry Bullard: The chief colonial administrator who is determined to maintain the status quo and protect British interests in Sarawak.
The Themes
The Sleeping Dictionary explores several themes, including love, colonialism, and cultural identity. The movie highlights the complex relationships between the colonizers and the colonized, and the impact of colonialism on the local people. It also explores the challenges faced by individuals who navigate multiple cultural identities and the tension between tradition and modernity.
Conclusion
The Sleeping Dictionary is a poignant and engaging movie that explores the complexities of love, colonialism, and cultural identity. The movie is beautifully shot and features a talented cast of actors who bring the characters to life. The movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the impact of colonialism on the local people and the challenges of navigating multiple cultural identities.
