Today’s quick review: Dersu Uzala. In 1902, Captain Vladimir Arsenyev (Yury Solomin), the leader of a Russian survey expedition, meets Dersu Uzala (Maxim Munzuk), a seasoned hunter, while mapping the wilderness. Uzala agrees to act as the expedition’s guide and shows them how to survive the harsh winter. As the months wear on, Uzala and Arsenyev form a fast friendship that changes the course of both of their lives.
Dersu Uzala is a classic adventure drama from director Akira Kurosawa. Dersu Uzala is based on the true story of a Russian soldier and the Goldi hunter who would become his best friend. The film tells a simple story but a rewarding one. The main characters are nuanced and believable, the friendship between them develops naturally, and the theme of mankind’s relationship with nature gives the audience plenty to contemplate.
Dersu Uzala excels at capturing the details of humanity. The reserved leadership of Arsenyev, the rowdy interactions of his men, and the generosity and expertise of Uzala all shine through clearly, an earnest portrait that feels nearly effortless. Uzala holds a particular appeal. His animistic beliefs and lifetime in the wild have shaped him into a caring man whose odd mannerisms hide a wealth of knowledge, making him an easy character to like.
The other factor that makes Dersu Uzala a rewarding watch is its portrayal of nature. The Russian wilderness is an atmospheric setting, full of soaring mountains, frozen lakes, and endless forests. However, the terrain is as perilous as it is beautiful. On more than one occasion, Arsenyev and his men risk death to finish their mission. This element of danger ties the film together nicely, and Uzala’s reactions shed more light on his character.
The one major caveat of Dersu Uzala is that it requires the viewer to bring something to the table. The story has the winding nature of a biography, and the themes require engagement from the viewer to live up to their full potential. Active viewers, who enjoy digging into the films they watch, will not find this to be a problem. But reactive viewers may find Dersu Uzala to be a little too aimless.
Dersu Uzala is well worth a watch for anyone interested in grounded stories with realistic characters. It is a modest film that tells a personal story and tells it well. The combination of skilled character work and a unique setting makes Dersu Uzala a solid pick for anyone willing to take it on its own terms. Viewers looking for a more exaggerated adventure may want to steer clear.
For a darker tale of friendship and survival, try Papillon. For another dramatic adventure about survival in harsh conditions, try The African Queen. For a war drama with similarly nuanced character work, try The Bridge on the River Kwai.
8.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for solid craftsmanship and well-developed characters; your score will vary.