The 1975 film Dersu Uzala is based on the true stories of Russian Captain Vladimir Arseniev, who led an expedition into the Siberian wilderness in the early 20th century. During the expedition, he befriends a local hunter named Dersu Uzala, who becomes his guide and loyal friend.

Dersu is wise, skilled, and has a deep respect for nature. He saves Arseniev’s life more than once during their journey.

After the first expedition ends, Dersu remains to live in the wilderness. A few years later, Arseniev returns, leading a larger expedition. They meet again, and Dersu gladly joins his expedition and helps him once more.

Over time, Dersu slowly loses his sight and can no longer fend for himself in the wilderness. Arseniev offers to take him to the city, where Dersu faces difficulties adapting to life in civilization.

A film about the greatness of friendship between two good-hearted people, and at the same time a story about how difficult it is to change one’s lifestyle and surroundings after decades of being accustomed to a completely different way of life.

Adventure / Drama / Biographical

Soviet Union / Japan, 1975, 137 min

Cast: Akira Kurosawa;

Crew: Maksim Munzuk, Yuri Solomin, Svetlana Danilchenko, Alexander Pyatkov, Daniil Netrebin, Suymenkul Chokmorov, Dmitry Korshikov;

Parents’ Guide:

About one instance of “damn.” A few instances of smoking. A few instances of talk about vodka and drinking. One scene with talk about witches and a sabbath to set the mood in the forest. One scene where Dersu expresses his belief in the forest spirit.

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