The Physician (2013 film)

The Physician (2013) is a historical drama film based on the novel of the same name by Noah Gordon. Directed by Philipp Stölzl, the film stars Tom Payne, Stellan Skarsgård, Olivier Martinez, and Emma Rigby. Set in the 11th century, the story follows Rob Cole (played by Tom Payne), a young Englishman who travels to Persia to study medicine under the great Ibn Sina (played by Ben Kingsley), also known as Avicenna, who is considered one of the most significant physicians, astronomers, thinkers, and writers of the Islamic Golden Age.

Plot

The film begins in England, where a young Rob Cole discovers his ability to sense when someone is about to die. After the death of his parents, Rob decides to travel to Persia to learn from the great physician Ibn Sina. His journey is fraught with danger, including an encounter with a group of Crusaders and the harsh realities of medieval travel. Upon reaching Persia, Rob disguises himself as a Jew, as Christians were not allowed to study in Muslim schools at the time. Under the tutelage of Ibn Sina, Rob learns the advanced medical knowledge of the time and eventually becomes a skilled physician himself. The film explores themes of knowledge, religious tolerance, and the quest for understanding in a world divided by cultural and religious differences.

Cast

• Tom Payne as Rob Cole
• Stellan Skarsgård as Barber
• Olivier Martinez as Shah Ala ad-Daula
• Emma Rigby as Rebecca
• Ben Kingsley as Ibn Sina

Production

The film was shot in various locations, including Germany and Morocco, to accurately depict the 11th-century setting. The production aimed to recreate the historical context of the time, including the settings of medieval England and the Persian city of Isfahan, which was a major center for science, philosophy, and medicine during the Islamic Golden Age.

Reception

The Physician received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film for its ambitious scope, stunning visuals, and the performances of its cast, particularly Ben Kingsley as Ibn Sina. Others criticized it for its historical inaccuracies and the liberties it took with Noah Gordon's novel. Despite this, the film found a significant audience, especially in Germany, where it was a box office success.

Themes

The film delves into themes of knowledge and the pursuit of learning, emphasizing the importance of understanding and tolerance among different cultures and religions. It highlights the contributions of the Islamic Golden Age to science and medicine, through the character of Ibn Sina, and portrays the challenges faced by those who seek knowledge in a world marked by division and conflict.