The Physician

England in the early 11th century casts a bleak shadow over a young miner's son named Rob Cole. Determined to beat disease and death, he pursues medical knowledge against crushing odds, leaving home to train in far places. His arduous path leads him far from England to distant Isfahan, where Persian physicians have preserved ancient wisdom. There he encounters Ibn Sina, renowned as the era's greatest healer, whose bedside manner and relentless curiosity push Rob to test his limits. The boy's vow becomes a lifelong pilgrimage through illness, trial, and moral choice as he learns medicine's power and its price. His commitment tests loyalty at home and faith abroad, and he learns that healing hinges on both skill and empathy.

Released in 2013, The Physician is directed by Philipp Stölzl and adapts Noah Gordon's novel The Physician. The screenplay credits Jan Berger and Ulrich Schwarz, with Tom Payne and Ben Kingsley headlining a European-backed production on location among global audiences.

Worldwide, the film earned about 57.3 million against a 36 million budget, signaling solid but not blockbuster performance for a mid-range historical epic. Its appeal crossed European and Middle Eastern settings, drawing attention to its ambitious scope and worldwide appeal.

Critics praised the movie for its scope and period detail, with performances by Tom Payne as Rob Cole and Ben Kingsley as Ibn Sina standing out. Some reviews noted the film balances adventure with moral questions about the limits of healing, patient consent, and cultural exchange that resonates with viewers.

By spotlighting Ibn Sina's influence within a Western medieval frame, the film taps into enduring fascination with cross-cultural scientific exchange. While not creating lasting meme-worthy moments, it contributes to conversations about medieval medicine and the global roots of modern care. Its visuals convey the era's scale, from markets to courts.