The Physician

The Physician

Year: 2014

Runtime: 150 min

Language: English

Director: Philipp Stölzl

AdventureDrama

In 11th-century Persia, a young orphan leaves behind a difficult life to pursue knowledge and seek redemption. He apprentices himself to a celebrated physician, portrayed by Ben Kingsley, beginning a challenging journey of self-discovery. Through rigorous study and confronting adversity, he evolves from a novice to a skilled healer, facing personal trials and ultimately reshaping his own destiny along the way.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Physician (2014)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Physician (2014). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

11th Century, Islamic Golden Age

The movie is set in the 11th century during a time of significant cultural and scientific flourishing known as the Islamic Golden Age. This period was characterized by groundbreaking advancements in medicine, philosophy, and science, contrasting sharply with the stagnant practices in medieval Europe. The film highlights the clash between religious beliefs and the pursuit of knowledge, a theme prevalent during this historical context.

Location

11th-century England, Isfahan, Persia, Egypt

The story traverses through 11th-century England, where medieval medicine is struggling against Church persecution. Isfahan, in Persia, represents the pinnacle of medical advancement during the Islamic Golden Age, showcasing the rich heritage of knowledge. Egypt serves as a critical backdrop for Rob's transformation and challenges in his quest for medical knowledge.

🏰 Historical 🌍 Travel 🏥 Healthcare

Last Updated: November 25, 2024 at 12:18

Main Characters – The Physician (2014)

Meet the key characters of The Physician (2014), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Robert Cole

Robert Cole is a determined and gifted individual, aware of his extraordinary ability to sense terminal illnesses. His relentless pursuit of knowledge leads him from the streets of England to the schools of Persia, showcasing his resilience and dedication to medicine. His journey is marked by personal loss, moral dilemmas, and a quest for love, making him a complex and relatable character.

🧑‍⚕️ Physician 📚 Learner ❤️ Lover

Ibn Sina

Ibn Sina is portrayed as a wise and progressive teacher, representing the pinnacle of medical knowledge during the Islamic Golden Age. He embodies the fusion of science, philosophy, and ethics in medicine, guiding Robert through his transformative journey. His tragic fate showcases the perils faced by intellectuals in a time of religious intolerance.

👨‍🏫 Mentor 💡 Philosopher 🚑 Healer

Rebecca

Rebecca is a strong and compassionate character, capturing Robert's heart while navigating the societal expectations of her time. Her relationship with Robert adds emotional depth to the narrative, illustrating the consequences of love amidst cultural constraints. Her involvement in Rob's life intertwines personal struggles with the broader themes of ethics and medicine.

❤️ Love Interest 📖 Scholar 😌 Supportive

Last Updated: November 25, 2024 at 12:18

Major Themes – The Physician (2014)

Explore the central themes of The Physician (2014), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Ethics

The theme of ethics is central to the movie, as Rob grapples with the moral implications of medical practices in different cultures. The conflict between religious doctrines and the necessity for medical advancements underlines the tension faced by the characters. Personalized medicine, such as autopsies, raises profound ethical questions about life, death, and the body.

🩺 Medicine

At its core, the film explores the evolution of medicine from medieval practices to more scientific approaches during the Islamic Golden Age. The training and discoveries of Rob Cole illustrate the importance of knowledge and the role of physicians in society. The film showcases the struggle to merge tradition with innovation in medical science.

❤️ Love

Love serves as a driving force in Rob's journey, influencing his choices and motivating his actions. His relationship with Rebecca complicates his quest for knowledge, intertwining personal longing with professional ambition. This theme reveals the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of one's passion and the impact of love on a life dedicated to healing.

Last Updated: November 25, 2024 at 12:18

Unlock the Full Story of The Physician

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Physician in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Physician is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Physician Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Physician, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Physician Summary

The Physician Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Physician with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Physician Timeline

More About The Physician

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Physician: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Physician

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