In 1902 a Russian army officer and his squad are tasked with exploring and mapping a remote part of Siberia. On their travels they meet a local hunter, Dersu Uzala, an old man determined to live his life in isolation. At their request he becomes their guide and over time a friendship forms between the officer and Dersu.
A very un-Kurosawaesque Akira Kurosawa film. For one it's filmed in Russia, in Russian. Based on a true story, Kurosawa had wanted to make this film since the 1950s but struggled to adapt it to a Japanese setting. Ultimately he got to make it in its ideal setting: in Russia, with Russian actors.
It's also filmed in colour, a rarity for Kurosawa films.
The finished product is beautifully shot and told, the story of a friendship that spanned several years and encompassed many adventures. It's also the story of a clash of lifestyles and outlooks: the urbane, rational soldier vs the superstitious and unsophisticated yet incredibly in-tune with nature hunter. Yet despite their different ages, backgrounds and outlooks the two are good friends and make a great combination.
On the downside, the film is unnecessarily long. Every scene is drawn out excessively, resulting in a fair amount of patience being required to get through the whole film. It ends quite emotionally, giving you some reward for your patience, but it can be a slog at times.
A very un-Kurosawaesque Akira Kurosawa film. For one it's filmed in Russia, in Russian. Based on a true story, Kurosawa had wanted to make this film since the 1950s but struggled to adapt it to a Japanese setting. Ultimately he got to make it in its ideal setting: in Russia, with Russian actors.
It's also filmed in colour, a rarity for Kurosawa films.
The finished product is beautifully shot and told, the story of a friendship that spanned several years and encompassed many adventures. It's also the story of a clash of lifestyles and outlooks: the urbane, rational soldier vs the superstitious and unsophisticated yet incredibly in-tune with nature hunter. Yet despite their different ages, backgrounds and outlooks the two are good friends and make a great combination.
On the downside, the film is unnecessarily long. Every scene is drawn out excessively, resulting in a fair amount of patience being required to get through the whole film. It ends quite emotionally, giving you some reward for your patience, but it can be a slog at times.