The Civilization of Maxwell Bright is a 2005 romance film, directed by David Beaird[1][2] and starring Patrick Warburton, Marie Matiko, Eric Roberts, Leland Crooke, and Jennifer Tilly.

The film's plot centers on a man who obtains a mail-order bride, with unexpected results.

After a series of bad relationships, the last one ending with his lover injuring him with a hoe while they argue on the street, fully nude, in view of the cops and his neighbors, Maxwell Bright resolves to find his fantasy woman: obedient and submissive.

This comes to an abrupt end when Max, his finances failing after spending $100,000 on Mai Ling, discovers that he also has terminal cancer.

Mai Ling supports him and helps him prepare for death, and he comes at last to explore his spiritual side and make his peace with those he has harmed.