Die Hard (1988) - Film Review

Review:

*Originally written December 20th, 2016*

"Merry motherfucking Christmas"

What is there to say about Die Hard that hasn't already been said? It's the perfect action, it's the perfect Christmas film. It's quite possibly the best film of the '80s. Which is an astonishing achievement considering it's the same decade that had Lethal Weapon and Commando to compete with, but Die Hard comes in at the top. It's a sharp, tight and fast-paced action film that changed action cinema forever.

John McClane is the every man. A normal cop coming to LA to reconcile with his estranged wife and see his kids at Christmas. What works so well is that John McClane is a human. He's a vulnerable person who gets hurt. He's not an '80s bullet-shield of sociopathic tendencies (We have to wait 4 sequels for that).

Willis brings the charisma and marks himself as a definitive action star, giving us a lead who's charismatic and cocky, yet vulnerable and has heart. It's amazing to see how far this character has come in 28 years. With the last 2 films in the Die Hard series, he's a shadow of his former self and more in line with a superhero than a New York City cop.

Alan Rickman is also amazing as Hans Gruber, one of the best villains in cinema history. A slimy and ruthless, yet lovable terrorist who is actually nothing more than a thief. This is all helped by a sharp script that is insanely well written. Every character is rounded and has some depth. The chemistry with Willis and Bonnie Bedelia works and feels real, bring a heart to the film that gives the ending a heartwarming feel that very few Christmas films manage to give me.

That's another thing. Die Hard is a Christmas film. I don't give a shit what you say. Not only is Die Hard a Christmas film, it's also the greatest Christmas film of all time. It's entirely subjective as to what counts as a Christmas film for you, but I think it can be best summed up as "A film that feels weird to watch outside of Christmas". And for me, Die Hard does. Watching it any other time of year just feels... wrong.

As an action film Die Hard is pure perfection. I really, really miss films like this. No bullshit CGI nonsense, just practical effects and beautiful blood squibs. I love every death in this film. The way Takagi's head explodes with brain matter splatting on the window? Gorggggeeeeousssss. Today's directors should really take note of what Die Hard did, there have been some fun, but pale imitations of Die Hard. Hell, "Die Hard" is a term used a sub-genre of action anyway, but people are really missing the point.


So that's Die Hard. One of the best action films of all-time, the best Christmas films of all-time and one of the best films of all-time. Pure perfection in every way. Goddamn, motherfucking art.

10/10 Dans (Rewatch)

Die Hard is out now on Blu-ray and DVD in the UK

Watch the trailer below:

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