Dersu Uzala (1975)

This film is a wonderful combination of two things that I love very much: Akira Kurosawa and Soviet cinema. Dersu Uzala, based on the memoir of VK Arseniev, tells the story of a Russian scouting expedition that encounters a nomadic hunter named Dersu while they're mapping out the Ussuri region in the Russian Far East circa 1902. Dersu and Arseniev slowly become friends as they brave the region's natural obstacles. On multiple occasions, they save each others' lives, most notably in a mind-blowing scene in which the two, lost out on the surface of a frozen lake while a snow storm kicks up, must frantically gather up tall grass to build a makeshift shelter before the sun sets. Arseniev watches as Dersu, a normally spry and capable man, begins to deteriorate in his old age and becomes less and less able to carry out the kind of hunting that is required for him to survive his nomadic lifestyle. Dersu Uzala is a biopic shot on a grand scale, but plays out in the quiet relationship between two men as they grow to respect and care for one another despite being almost nothing alike. The first half of the film feels like you're on the adventure with this odd couple through the Far East, facing every obstacle they face. The second half of the film becomes a bit more sullen as the obstacles turn from storms and tigers to Dersu's realization of his deteriorating health and impending death. It's a bitter pill to swallow, but a realistic and thoughtful contemplation on growing old. Despite the terrible quality of the print, including some miserable color shifting which mars the scenes out on the ice, the beauty of Kurosawa's compositions shines through. There's no film that deserves a restoration more than this one, and I envy anyone who has seen a 70mm print. Highly recommended.

10/10

If you are interested in another great film along these lines (Soviet, adventure, man vs nature), I would suggest checking out Mikhail Kalatozov's great and underrated film The Red Tent (1969). It's a bit more structured and action-oriented, and not quite as contemplative as Dersu Uzala, but it's definitely worth watching.