Die Hard (1988) Review
With its release pre dating my existence, unfortunately I was not privy to the Die Hard films until at least a decade after its conception, and even then, I was far too young to thoroughly appreciate what I had just watched. However, many, many, years later I find myself able to truly recognise the exceptional work of the original Die Hard (1998), directed by John McTiernan, as nothing short of ingenious.
Set on Christmas Eve, the film follows New York City Police Detective, John McClane (Bruce Willis) who travels to Los Angeles to try to reconnect with his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) at a Christmas party in the Nakatomi Plaza Tower, where she works. However, the reconciliation is put on hold when a group of heavily armed criminals seize control of the tower lead by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman.)
Like previous films that I have watched in my youth and re-discovered in later life, I find myself able to develop a personal attachment to the film and watching in brings back a certain sense of nostalgia, not to mention it is, for me, the epitome of great action sequences combined with memorable characters and a coherent plot line.
The film has the added attraction of possessing one of the greatest villains in action films – Hans Gruber (portrayed expertly by the phenomenal Alan Rickman) whose inconceivably comical one liners and dramatic performance make him not easily forgotten and earns him a place as the ‘quintessential Die Hard villain.’ A particular favourite amongst many is the resonating line - ‘alas your Mr. Takagi did not see it that way... so he won't be joining us for the rest of his life’ that Rickman delivers with such finesse that make it terribly hard not to like his rather depraved character. Equally, in the original instalment of what later becomes a series of films, Bruce Willis portrays a shunned family man (McClane) and cop turned Christmas time hero rather well, pulling off a convincing performance and too, delivering iconic lines such as ‘yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker’ with the determination, amusement and annoyance that the character possesses.
The film spawned countless sequels and inspired a whole new range of movies to adapt the genre and plot of McTiernan’s gritty action thriller about a lone man who takes on an entire squad of highly skilled criminals. It is this which shows its significance and defines the very reasons why audiences should go see it. It’s likely that some of your favourite movies have been influenced by this piece; I would describe it as a poignant landmark in cinematic history as it has been referenced in countless descriptions of films. Such as Speed (1994) being ‘Die Hard on a bus’ and Passenger 57 (1994) as ‘Die Hard on a plane.’ It is no surprise that the movie has been continually listed in numerous lists of greatest movies and villains of all time and is always particularly popular with its focus on disaster at Christmas time. It’s not hard to see why this has proven so popular over the years, it encapsulates everything a ‘die hard’ thriller movie goer could want; ruthless action, epic fight scenes, dramatic explosions, sensationally suave villain, lone hero and plenty of comical and intense moments to boot, make Die Hard unable to be forgotten.
4.5/5 stars
Reviewed by Mel.
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