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Drama thriller

The Bastards' Fig Tree (2019): Cast & Ratings

The Bastards' Fig Tree (2019) movie poster

The Bastards' Fig Tree is a 2019 drama thriller directed by Ana Murugarren, starring Ramón Barea as Don Eulogio, Karra Elejalde and Carlos Areces. It runs 1 hour 43 minutes and was made on a reported $2 million budget. Critics gave it 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10.

IMDb rating
5.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
78%
Echo Score
70
budget
$2M
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The Bastards' Fig Tree (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 43m (103 min)
Director
Ana Murugarren
Genres
Drama , Thriller , Comedy
Original language
Spanish
Budget
$2M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Bastards' Fig Tree About?

The premise of The Bastards' Fig Tree without spoilers.

During a period of civil war, a hardened fascist soldier seeks refuge in isolation, his attention consumed by a fig tree linked to painful memories. The persistent gaze of a young boy, whose family was tragically lost due to the soldier's actions, profoundly impacts his life. Haunted by guilt and longing for redemption, he finds himself confronting the consequences of his past and the possibility of finding peace amidst his solitude.

The Bastards' Fig Tree Themes & Keywords

· 34 tags
  • f rated
  • execution
  • murder
  • night
  • basque country
  • town
  • village
  • belief
  • religion
  • hermit
  • cabin
  • tree
+22 more
  • fig tree
  • child
  • boy
  • priest
  • spanish civil war
  • civil war
  • beard
  • peregrination
  • pilgrimage
  • virgin
  • greed
  • sneaker
  • blackmail
  • redemption
  • fascism
  • soldier
  • army
  • repentance
  • penitence
  • tourism
  • hanging
  • surprise ending
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Cast & crew

The Bastards' Fig Tree Cast & Characters

Ramón Barea leads the cast as Don Eulogio, with Karra Elejalde as Rogelio and Carlos Areces as Ermo. Directed by Ana Murugarren; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Bastards' Fig Tree

· 6 more
From the director

More from Ana Murugarren

More films directed by Ana Murugarren: El hotel de los líos: García y García 2 and Garcia & Garcia.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Bastards' Fig Tree Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Bastards' Fig Tree 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 5.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 70/100, strongest in art & craft (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).

70 /100

The Bastards' Fig Tree Echo Score Breakdown

The Bastards' Fig Tree excels in its visual presentation but is hampered by a relatively thin narrative thread. Critics and viewers alike note the film’s imaginative genre-meshing style and carefully composed imagery, yet many point to an underdeveloped plot that limits its emotional impact. Its carefully curated performances provide moments of depth, though character empathy can feel inconsistent. While its thematic resonance on historical memory is clear, the story’s brevity diminishes its overall cohesion.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 80

    In terms of Art & Craft, the film’s visual design stands out through its gothic framing and atmospheric cinematography. Reviewers praise the verdant Basque landscapes and measured compositions that underscore the narrative’s dark fairy tale tone. The direction maintains a cohesive style across scenes, though editing transitions sometimes feel abrupt. Overall, the art direction offers a compelling visual foundation.

  • Character & Emotion 65

    When it comes to Character & Emotion, performances are generally strong with layered portrayals displaying internal conflict. Critics and viewers commend moments of genuine resonance, particularly in scenes depicting ideological turmoil. However, some characters remain difficult to empathize with, which limits emotional engagement. Overall, the acting delivers credible depth but struggles to foster consistent viewer connection.

  • Story & Flow 60

    In terms of Story & Flow, the narrative offers a thought-provoking exploration of historical memory but is hampered by a sparse plot and uneven pacing. Viewers appreciate its thematic ambition and originality in blending fantasy elements with political drama, yet many note that key story beats lack sufficient development. Overall, the storyline engages intellectually but feels undernourished in its execution.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    When it comes to Sensory Experience, the film delivers striking visual style complemented by haunting soundscapes, yet its musical score occasionally disrupts tonal consistency. Reviewers highlight the cohesive color palette and detailed sound design that reinforce the dark fairy tale atmosphere. At the same time, the jaunty musical moments can feel incongruous. Overall, sensory elements oscillate between immersion and distraction.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    In terms of Rewatch Factor, the film’s rich visual motifs and thematic layers suggest potential for subsequent viewings, but uneven narrative depth may limit its lasting appeal. Some viewers find merit in revisiting its political subtext and symbolic imagery, while others note that emotional inconsistencies weaken its replay value. Overall, the movie offers moderate incentive for repeat engagement.

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FAQ

The Bastards' Fig Tree FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of The Bastards' Fig Tree, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Bastards' Fig Tree?

The Bastards' Fig Tree runs 1 hour 43 minutes (103 minutes).

When was The Bastards' Fig Tree released?

The Bastards' Fig Tree was released on May 10, 2019.

Who directed The Bastards' Fig Tree?

The Bastards' Fig Tree was directed by Ana Murugarren.

More films by Ana Murugarren

Who is in the cast of The Bastards' Fig Tree?

The Bastards' Fig Tree stars Ramón Barea as Don Eulogio, Karra Elejalde as Rogelio and Carlos Areces as Ermo, among 10 credited actors.

What was the budget of The Bastards' Fig Tree?

The Bastards' Fig Tree had a reported budget of $2 million.

How is The Bastards' Fig Tree rated?

The Bastards' Fig Tree has 5.7/10 on IMDb and 78% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Does The Bastards' Fig Tree have a post-credit scene?

No. The Bastards' Fig Tree has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is The Bastards' Fig Tree in?

The original language of The Bastards' Fig Tree is Spanish.

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