Bestselling source material
Based on Noah Gordon's novel, a publishing phenomenon across Europe.
The Physician (Der Medicus) is a 2013 German historical epic based on Noah Gordon's bestselling novel. Tom Payne stars as Rob Cole, an English orphan in the 11th century who vows to conquer disease and travels disguised as a Jew to Persia, where he seeks training from Ibn Sina (Ben Kingsley), the greatest healer of the age.
At a Glance
Original titleDer Medicus
CountryGermany
LanguageEnglish
DirectorPhilipp Stölzl
Based onNovel by Noah Gordon
Release2013
Why The Physician became a European phenomenon
One of Germany's biggest domestic hits — an old-fashioned epic about medicine, exile, and the Islamic Golden Age.
The Physician adapts Noah Gordon's novel with the scale and sincerity of a classic historical blockbuster. Tom Payne carries the long arc of Rob Cole from orphan to physician, but the film's emotional centre is Ben Kingsley's Ibn Sina — a healer whose wisdom represents a civilization at its intellectual peak.
Philipp Stölzl, who had already shown visual flair in North Face and Young Goethe in Love, treats the journey east as genuine adventure: political intrigue, religious barriers, plague, and romance all interrupt Rob's education. Stellan Skarsgård and Olivier Martinez add weight in key supporting roles.
Outside Germany the film is underrated simply because it was marketed locally first — but for viewers who want a thoughtful medieval epic in the vein of Arn or Kingdom of Heaven, The Physician is one of the richest options of the 2010s.
From English mud to Persian courts — a medical adventure anchored by Ben Kingsley as Ibn Sina.
Ben Kingsley as Ibn Sina
A commanding portrayal of the Islamic world's greatest medieval physician-scholar.
Big-budget German epic
One of the most expensive and successful German theatrical releases of its decade.
Medical history adventure
A rare blockbuster about the pursuit of knowledge rather than treasure or war.
Story
A quest for medicine in an age of ignorance
01
Rob Cole's vow
After watching his mother die, the young orphan swears to defeat illness — and begins a lifelong journey from England toward the Islamic world's greatest medical school.
02
Journey to Isfahan
Rob travels east in disguise, crossing cultures and dangers to reach Persia, where Ibn Sina runs a legendary academy of healing.
03
Student of Ibn Sina
Ben Kingsley plays the master physician whose teachings challenge Rob's assumptions about science, faith, and mercy.
Cast
Main characters and performers
Behind the Scenes
Based on Noah Gordon's 1986 novel, a major bestseller in Germany and across Europe.
German title: Der Medicus.
One of the highest-grossing German films of 2013 domestically.
Ben Kingsley plays the real historical figure Ibn Sina (Avicenna), the Persian polymath and physician.
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FAQ
What is The Physician about?
An English orphan in the 11th century travels to Persia to study medicine under Ibn Sina, the great Islamic physician and scholar.
Is The Physician based on a book?
Yes. It adapts Noah Gordon's novel Der Medicus / The Physician.
Who plays Ibn Sina?
Ben Kingsley.
How long is The Physician?
The theatrical cut runs approximately 155 minutes.
Where can I watch The Physician?
Check MovieLinks for current availability.
