: Filmed on location in Sarawak, the movie is undeniably beautiful. The towering rainforests and winding rivers act as a silent witness to the central romance.

The title refers to a historical practice where colonial officers were encouraged to take local mistresses to learn the language and customs of the indigenous people. In the film, Selima (Jessica Alba) is the "dictionary" for the young officer John Truscott (Hugh Dancy).