The Fig Tree

The plot centers around Miranda, a young girl who lost her mother at a very young age. She is troubled and withdrawn, pretend plays alone for hours and is obsessed with death. She creates elaborate little cemeteries using figs and sticks, burying dead insects or animals she comes across. Her family members relate stories and tales and slowly bring her out of her shell and help her cope better with life and death and all in between. A moving family piece that can help children deal with grief, life and death.

Directed by Calvin Skaggs, The Fig Tree leans on a strong ensemble — Karron Graves, Teresa Wright, Doris Roberts — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1987.