The Fourth Wise Man

An interesting idea. The leads come across as bossy New York types if you can get past that then you might enjoy this. The production is not without merit. In this films Artaban is a young Magus (Wise Man) who desires to follow the star to the birthplace of the coming King, against the counsel of his friends and family. Carrying three precious jewels to give to the baby Messiah, Artaban and his reluctant servant Orontes set off to join the caravan of the three other wise men. They miss the caravan, but Artaban continues the search for his King, always one step behind. Artaban spends much of his remaining wealth and all of his energy helping the poor and unfortunate people he meets, until at the end of his life he finally finds Jesus--at His trial! Has Artaban wasted his life in a foolish quest? Will he ever get the chance to present his gifts to the King. The best thing about this film was "Never Give up Your Faith

This is one great story, well played. It is obvious the budget wasn't huge, which is not surprising since it is a TV movie. But still, it's worth watching.

Unlike many Christian movies, there is no sugar added. This movie doesn't tell us we will be successful if we follow Jesus. The protagonist doesn't pray to win a baseball tournament, he doesn't pursue success. He just wants to see Jesus.

Set in ancient world, the story starts about a year before Jesus was born. A magus named Artaban sees a star that foretells the advent of the King of Kings. He sets on a long journey, helped by his slave Orontes. He takes precious gifts with him as well. But we all know only three magi made it to Bethelem the night Jesus was born, leaving Artaban struggling.

A very nice cast was assembled for this fictional story about a fourth Wise Man who missed the birth of Jesus. Martin Sheen plays the fourth Magi who just seems to be missing running into the prophesied Messiah.

Some other obligations prevented Sheen as Artaban the fourth Wise Man from making the journey to Bethlehem where the other three Balthazar, Caspar, and Melchior viewed the post birth at the stable. When Sheen goes accompanied by his faithful and grumbling servant Alan Arkin the family just left and in time before the Romans come in on that genocidal mission from Herod to kill all the babies there. Before he leaves Sheen manages to save one of them.

Then its off to Egypt where the holy family is bound for. But as the gospels give scant information about Jesus's growing up we've got a lot of room for fiction. He misses the child again, but instead Sheen helps out a colony of beggars become a self sufficient tribe. And as a Magi he's got some gifts of healing, no miracles to be sure, but the kind of stuff Hippocrates had researched in the ancient world.

This was a life of service and well led. And before the film ends Sheen witnesses the greatest of all miracles and he's told by the highest authorities that it was a life well led.

Sheen and Arkin make quite a pair, a kind of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza kind of relationship. But this Quixote tilts no windmills though he faces some long odds at times.

This is a good religious film, not overly preachy, but it's point about making your life count on earth is well made.

Rarely does a TV movie have such excellent acting, humor and pack a punch like this one does. Interesting characters, plot and ending. Keeps the viewer hanging on the edge of the seat wondering how it will end and what the "fourth wise man's" purpose and destiny are. Curious message hits you between the eyes about values, too.

While certain elements of the storyline are not compatible with the Biblical time-line (harvesttime just before Passover in the spring, Peter's denials in the courtyard of the High Priest, etc.) the overall story is one of true spiritual devotion and compassion, as Arteban tirelessly ministers to those less fortunate. Arkin's character of Orontes as the whining, pessimistic servant provides the best contrast to Sheen's patience and benevolence. I have always admired Sheen, and he plays his role magnificently. The ending scene sweeps in and delivers a punch that still makes me tingle every time I watch it, at least once a year! Don't pass up a chance to view this if you can!