Dersu Uzala (1975)

In the inhospitable wilderness of Siberia, in 1902, a Russian army expedition led by the stoic Captain Vladimir Arseniev embarks on a daunting quest to chart the unexplored reaches. Among the icy forests and the stark landscapes, they encounter Dersu Uzala, a lone Goldi hunter with an intimate knowledge of nature's ways. With his guidance, the team successfully navigates all the way to Khanka Lake, confronting the harsh realities of survival and discovering the profound beauty of the wild. During their shared journey, Arseniev is captivated by Dersu's soulful connection to the land and the two form a deep bond of friendship. When the expedition concludes, they part ways with a heartfelt goodbye, their lives irrevocably interwoven. Fast-forward to 1907, Captain Arseniev embarks on another mission at the Ussuri River. Fate reunites him with his old friend Dersu, now visibly aged and struggling with failing vision, yet still as resilient as ever. Recognizing Dersu's vulnerability, Arseniev invites him to trade the solitude of the forest for the safety of his home in Khabarovsk City. However, the allure of civilization proves too alien for the seasoned woodsman, who longs for the familiarity of the wilderness. The narrative takes a poignant turn in 1910, when Arseniev is summoned to Korfovskaïa to identify a body carrying his calling card. Could this be the end of the journey for the indefatigable Dersu Uzala? Unfolding against the backdrop of the Siberian wilderness, “Dersu Uzala” is an evocative exploration of friendship, survival, and the relentless call of the wild that refuses to be silenced by the march of civilization.

Dersu Uzala is an action movie featuring Yuriy Solomin and directed by Akira Kurosawa.

Dersu Uzala is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Dersu Uzala on Amazon Video.