The Fourth Wise Man - DVD (1985)

Based on Henry van Dyke’s classic, The Story of the Other Wise Man, this fictional story set in Biblical times is told in gently comic terms. A Magi named Artaban (Martin Sheen) sees a sign in the heavens that he hopes will lead him and his faithful servant to the Messiah. Artaban takes with him three precious gifts to present to the Messiah. For 33 years Artaban pursues Jesus, only to miss Him at every turn. Along the way, Artaban uses his gifts to help people in dire need. He now has nothing to present to the Messiah when he finds Him. The story culminates on Easter Sunday as Artaban, old and dying, finally encounters the new King, bringing peace to his life. A deeply moving experience examining what true faith really means. Starring Martin Sheen and Alan Arkin.

DVD features:
Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese
Subtitles: English
Viewing Format: Fullscreen
Bonus Material:
biographical information on leading actors
original preview trailer
chapter titles
ZONES: All zones (worldwide)
Includes English subtitles

Story? What Story?

The premise to the story sounds interesting, and the pairing of Arkin and Sheen had promise, but for me this film falls flat, though the ending is touching. It has a good message but is just a little too cliched and the acting is a little too flat. Plus, there is the suggestion of some humor in the telling, but I couldnt really see any, it seems to me as stultified as any of the conventional takes on 'The Greatest Story Ever Told'. January 2, 2009

THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH!

Based on the novel by Henry van Dyke, 'The Story of the Other Wise Man', it is the story of Artaban, a Magi and medical doctor who leaves his practice and wealth behind to find the King of Kings he believes has been born in Jerusalem. His father assigns his servant Orontes to go along and protect Artaban and promises to set him free when he returns safely. Artaban brings three precious and valuable gifts to present this new King. Pursuing every lead they find, they are always just missing Jesus at every turn. Their journey lasts 33 years culminating on Easter Sunday. Though fiction, it incorporates many Biblical facts and is a fascinating tale of one man's search for meaning in life and how that changes him along the way. Arkin also does a great job as the reluctant, humorous servant more interested in returning home and getting his freedom than finding this Messiah. Although not a big budget film, the acting is good and the story is very meaningful. [...] December 25, 2008

The Fourth Wise Man

This wonderful story is of a man's desire to meet the Lord, but fate keeps him occupied through the years. He just misses his chance to see the birth in Bethlehem and is always one step behind to "catch up" until that week in Jerusalem and the Easter miracle. The uplifting part is this Magi did all in his power to live the Christian life of helping our neighbors in need without ever hearing the message preached by Jesus. The story may begin with Christmas, but ends jouyously at Easter. Very good performances by a great group of actors! April 10, 2008

I love this movie

This movie is one of my favourites. It's a movie you can watch year after year. It's funny, poignant and captures our spiritual quest to find the meaning of our lives when it's right in front of us. Great acting by Alan Arkan and Martin Sheen. February 8, 2008

Wow! A movie that's a blessing in disguise.

Great movie. Fiction or non fiction does not matter. It was the content that kept me watching till the end. Great actors and acting. January 28, 2008

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