The Physician Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A medieval British barber-surgeon wannabe travels to Persia, pretends to be Jewish, sleeps with a married woman, and teaches the legendary Avicenna about germ theory and modern surgery, all while dodging religious zealots and steppe barbarians.

🍿 The Physician: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Boy’s Gift and a Gruesome Trade

In 11th-century England, young Rob Cole discovers he has a unique gift: he can sense when someone is about to die. When his mother succumbs to ‘side sickness’ (appendicitis), Rob is orphaned and apprenticed to a traveling barber-surgeon. The Barber provides rudimentary medical care, exposing Rob to basic surgical procedures and the harsh realities of medieval medicine. Growing disillusioned with the Barber’s limited knowledge, Rob seeks out more advanced medical understanding. A Jewish physician’s successful cataract surgery on the Barber sparks Rob’s interest in Hebrew culture and the medical knowledge of the East. He learns of Ibn Sina, a renowned physician in Persia, and resolves to study under him.

The Journey East: Disguise and Discovery

Knowing that Christians are forbidden from studying at Ibn Sina’s school, Rob makes the drastic decision to circumcise himself and pose as a Jew named Jesse Ben Benjamin. He joins a caravan heading east, facing perilous conditions including sandstorms and religious tensions. During the journey, he meets Rebecca, a woman traveling to Isfahan for an arranged marriage. Jesse and Rebecca develop a connection as she reads him tales of the East, sparking his imagination and further solidifying his determination. Upon arriving in Isfahan, Jesse is initially rejected from Ibn Sina’s school, but his persistence and obvious passion for medicine eventually lead to his acceptance as a student.

Life in Isfahan: Learning and Forbidden Knowledge

At Ibn Sina’s Bimaristan (hospital) and Madrasa (college), Jesse immerses himself in the study of medicine, philosophy, and science. He learns about pulse diagnosis, leech treatments, the use of opium, and surgical techniques. He witnesses firsthand the advanced medical practices of the Islamic Golden Age, surpassing anything he had seen in England. However, Jesse’s thirst for knowledge leads him to push boundaries. He secretly performs an autopsy on a Zoroastrian man who died of ‘side sickness,’ defying religious prohibitions and uncovering the true cause of the illness: an inflamed appendix. This act of forbidden knowledge puts him at odds with religious authorities.

Plague and Peril: A City Under Siege

A devastating plague sweeps through Isfahan, leading to widespread death and panic. Jesse and Ibn Sina work tirelessly to combat the disease, implementing basic hygiene principles and identifying oriental rat fleas as potential carriers of the Black Death. As the city descends into chaos, Jesse’s relationship with Rebecca deepens, especially after her husband abandons her. Their relationship leads to adultery, punishable by stoning. Meanwhile, religious zealots conspire with the Seljuk Turks, who are threatening to conquer Isfahan. The mullahs frame Jesse and Ibn Sina for necromancy after discovering Jesse’s secret autopsy, leading to their arrest and sentencing.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Rob Cole (Tom Payne): A determined English apprentice who disguises himself as a Jew to study medicine with Ibn Sina in Persia.
• Ibn Sina (Ben Kingsley): A renowned Persian physician and philosopher who mentors Rob Cole and champions medical advancement.
• Barber (Stellan Skarsgård): Rob Cole’s initial mentor, an itinerant barber-surgeon, who imparts basic medical knowledge.
• Rebecca (Emma Rigby): A woman traveling to Isfahan for an arranged marriage, who develops a forbidden love with Rob Cole.
• Shah Ala ad Daula (Olivier Martinez): The progressive ruler of Persia who supports Ibn Sina’s medical school but faces betrayal.
• Karim (Elyas M’Barek): One of Ibn Sina’s students who forms a friendship with Rob Cole.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Ibn Sina: “Because there is nothing to be afraid of. Death is merely a threshold we must all cross… into the silence, after the final heartbeat… drifting away with our final exhalation… into eternal peace…” – Ibn Sina consoles Rob Cole when explaining his views on death and the afterlife.
• Rob Cole: “I saw his hands… I saw what they could do.” – Rob Cole talks about the Jewish doctor and why he want to learn medicine.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $36,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $57,284,237

💥 The Physician Reviews

Personal Review

I really enjoyed ‘The Physician,’ even though I knew it wasn’t perfectly accurate. I found Rob’s dedication to learning medicine inspiring, and the settings were absolutely beautiful. Ben Kingsley was amazing as Ibn Sina, really embodying wisdom and authority. My favorite part was definitely the scenes in Isfahan, with all the vibrant colors and bustling markets, although I wish they had included more about the friendship between Rob, Mirdin, and Karim! Overall, it’s a good movie if you’re looking for an epic adventure with a historical setting.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in medical history”
  • “Those who enjoy stories about cultural exchange and overcoming obstacles”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some scenes of surgery and medical procedures may be disturbing”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes including religious conflict and adultery”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While visually impressive and boasting a strong cast, ‘The Physician’ often sacrifices historical accuracy for melodramatic storytelling. Ben Kingsley shines, but the narrative simplification of complex cultural and religious tensions ultimately undermines the film’s potential impact.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A sweeping historical drama that struggles to balance its ambition with its execution. ‘The Physician’ boasts impressive production design but lacks the emotional depth needed to truly resonate. The romantic subplot feels forced, and the pacing uneven.
• Screen International: “Lavishly produced and well-acted, ‘The Physician’ offers a captivating, if somewhat sanitized, look at the pursuit of medical knowledge in the 11th century. Tom Payne delivers a solid performance, and the film’s exploration of cross-cultural exchange is intriguing, despite some historical liberties.

Audience Reactions

The beautiful scenery and costumes really brought the 11th century to life!: Viewers praised the film’s visuals, particularly the location shooting and costume design, which enhanced the immersive experience.

Ben Kingsley’s performance as Ibn Sina was truly captivating!: Many agreed that Ben Kingsley delivered a compelling performance that added depth and gravitas to the film.

Overall Consensus: While criticized for historical inaccuracies, ‘The Physician’ is generally regarded as an entertaining and visually appealing historical adventure, elevated by strong performances.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the novel of the same name by Noah Gordon, published in 1986.”
• “To authentically portray the 11th-century setting, the film was shot on location in Morocco.”
• “Ben Kingsley’s portrayal of Ibn Sina (Avicenna) aimed to capture the historical figure’s wisdom and influence on medicine.”
• “Some critics noted inaccuracies in the film’s depiction of Islamic culture and historical events, sparking debate about artistic license versus historical accuracy.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Physician?

As of October 2024, ‘The Physician’ is available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for availability in your region. It is not currently available on subscription-based streaming platforms.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Physician, you might like these similar films:

• Kingdom of Heaven (2005): Both movies depict historical conflicts and cultural clashes during the medieval period, with a focus on the Crusades and interactions between different civilizations.
• Agora (2009): Shares a theme of the conflict between science and religious dogma in a historical setting, focusing on the life of Hypatia of Alexandria.
• The English Patient (1996): Features a sweeping historical romance set against a backdrop of cultural exploration and personal sacrifice, appealing to viewers interested in epic stories.

🛒 The Physician Related Products

• Noah Gordon’s The Physician: A Novel: The original novel by Noah Gordon that inspired the movie. Dive deeper into Rob J. Cole’s journey and explore the rich details not fully captured on screen.
• Middle Ages Unlocked: A Guide to Life in Medieval England: Provides a detailed look into daily life and customs in medieval England, offering a deeper understanding of the world Rob Cole left behind in The Physician.
• Islamic Art and Architecture: 650-1250 (The Yale University Press Pelican History of Art): Explore the vibrant culture and artistic achievements of the Islamic Golden Age during which the Physician takes place.
• Ancient History Encyclopedia: Delivers comprehensive historical insights on Persia, including Avicenna’s life, the medical science of that time, and other related topics.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Physician features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Amor es Aquella Cosa” – performed by Schirin Partowi

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Physician (2013) Film Explained in Hindi/Urdu Summarized

Ever wondered about the intricacies of ‘The Physician’ but found it a bit complex? This video breaks down the entire story in Hindi/Urdu, making it super easy to follow. Trust me, it’s like finally understanding that ‘aha!’ moment of the film!

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