In this family drama, Clara Collier (Alfre Woodard) is a lawyer who pays a visit to her hometown in the Georgia farm country when her mother (Mary Alice), a well-regarded local storyteller, dies. Mothers death has brought the family together for the funeral, and when Clara meets with her family and friends, she leans of the legend of The Magic Man, a mysterious stranger who guides people lost in the woods back to safety. While Clara is dubious about this story, she soon learns the truth when a youngster is hurt while hiking in the brush. Directed by acclaimed Czech filmmaker Ivan Passer, The Wishing Tree also features Helen Shaver and Blair Underwood. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide