Peter Debruge praised the film for being "a hearty historical epic that pits intellectual progress against the stifling influence of world religions".[6] Ben Kingsley's acting was deemed successful in portraying the Islamic scholar Avicenna.[6][7] The visuals and the scene design of the movie were appreciated.[6][8] Although, the environment and costume design were approved,[7] the historical inaccuracies were observed negatively.[9][8] The movie is criticized for its "old fashioned story structure",[7] "simplistic emotional ploys and reductive characterizations"[6] and the script's inaccuracies; such as the altered timeline, the misdepiction of Islamic laws and organization, and the unrealistic comparison of Avicenna with his student (the protagonist).[8][9]