Dersu Uzala

Another Kurosawa masterpiece. Dersu Uzala is a beautiful story about a the development of a deeply respectful friendship between a Russian explorer and a Goldi tribesman. It wouldn't be too difficult to transform the Siberian forests and tundra into any environment on earth - Manhattan, the Himalaya, the Southern Ocean or your own neighborhood. There is a distinct mentor-student relationship too.

The Prologue sets the tone of the film and what a life Dersu led! Act I takes us through how Dersu and Captain Arseniev meet and their early experiences exploring the Ussuri region of Siberia. Act II has a clear mid-point when Dersu and Arseniev part company for the first time. Both halves of Act II contain a Sequence where Dersu saves Arseiev's life. Act III sees the physical deterioration of Dersu and Arseniev's tragic decision to bring Dersu into 'civilization'.