The young Russian scientist Vladimir Arsenyev conducts research on the Ussuri region of the Russian Empire. During his expedition in the taiga, he meets the hunter Dersu Uzala, who becomes his guide and loyal friend. Dersu amazes Arsenyev with his deep knowledge of the taiga, his ability to read the forest like an open book, and his unique respect for nature.
As they journey through the wilderness, the group encounters various challenges: Dersu wards off a tiger using only persuasion, navigates treacherous swamps, and confronts poachers, confiscating their illegally obtained goods and expelling them from the Ussuri region. On one occasion, Arsenyev discovers a piece of coal and sets out with Dersu to locate its source. During this trek, Arsenyev falls ill and becomes trapped in a forest fire, only to be rescued by Dersu.
Reuniting with their group, Arsenyev and Dersu continue their expedition. Winter overtakes them while they are still traveling. Borrowing a boat from local villagers, the team journeys along a freezing river but suffers a shipwreck, losing all their supplies, including warm clothing, ammunition, and food. Despite these hardships, they press on, eventually celebrating New Year's Eve while camping for the night.
Fortunately, their journey concludes safely, as their New Year's campsite is close to the coastline. The group reaches the shore, where Arsenyev and the others bid a heartfelt farewell to Dersu before departing aboard their waiting ship.
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