DIE HARD 🤩

There are some movies that most of us just love, cherish, and watch dozens of times throughout our lifetime. These are the films that have it all…extremely, fast-paced action, humorous sarcastic dialogue, battles and crazy shoot-outs with the enemy, the use of several different modes of transport, (helicopter, limo, trucks, police cars, and a wild elevator escape) a love relationship going awry, kidnapping, theft, murder, large payoffs, newfound friendships, terrorists, loyalty, and an extraordinary amount of never giving up moments. It is truly mind-boggling when this genius caliber of filming gobsmacked the public from all walks of life, gender, race, and class. It is also mightily impressive when the first inspired four successful sequels. It did not matter if the producers tried to make this a Christmas movie. It was just as entertaining and exciting to watch it during the summer solstice month. It simply worked. It is as much fun for a first date or a thirty-odd-year anniversary. It is unforgettable. It made viewers think of Bruce Willis not only as that MOONLIGHTING guy on TV but now as a huge movie star…an action figure who was and always will be our beloved John McClane in DIE HARD.  

DIE HARD made its entrance in 1988. It was Oscar-nominated in four categories including editing, sound,  and visual effects. It was a violent film at times that put audiences at the edge of their chairs and kept them there until the very last second. It also contained unique costuming, since it all takes place during one, long evening. The biggest challenge was to have seventeen wife beater T-shirts on hand in varying degrees for whatever fighting sequence McClane had to endure. Plus, they had to create clear, flesh-colored shoes for walking on chunks of glass. It all magically made audiences suspend their disbelief and go along for a great ride. 

The ensemble was phenomenal. Alan Rickman as the nasty, evil villain was the perfect foil who reeked of no remorse as he killed off big supporting characters. Bonnie Bedelia as Holly was subtle, feisty, and smart. She was the ideal match for McClane. I always thought it was a shame he didn’t appreciate her as much as he should, but this was not about her. It was John’s lesson in life to learn. Here was a man who did not like himself very much and was merely trying to do the best he could under a horrendous situation. Sgt. Al (Reginald VelJohnson) was also a wonderful mix into the chaotic fray. His calm voice gave audiences a welcome reprieve. 

Of course, my favorite line was  “Yippee ki yay” with or without the two additional words, (Mother fucker). The director, John McTiernan, made great choices allowing the actors to adlib. In fact, most of the script was improvised especially when Hans and John meet for the first time, and whenever John is constantly talking to himself. DIE HARD seemed more honest, relatable, and authentic. 

The action sequences were powerful and overwhelming at times. The sound of bullets splaying everywhere was deafening and frightening. Sliding and jumping off buildings, glass exploding everywhere, detonators, tanks, machine guns, and floating money gave life to nail-biting sequences. In real life, Bruce Willis lost 3/4 of his hearing in his left ear due to the continual pop-pop-pop of guns going off. To this day, he has to wear a hearing aid. Actors will do almost anything for a good take. 

DIE HARD brought me as much pleasure to rewatch as it did the first time. It is as appropriate for today’s divided, greedy world as it was decades ago. Not much has changed, except, perhaps, our cynicism. Corporate avarice is present on all levels. The only change is, maybe, most don’t use a tank to bang on your enemy’s door. 

DIE HARD is a die-hard, action classic. It will be remembered long after Bruce Willis has lost his personal, real-life battle against dementia. I know fans will only visualize him as their New York Cop, an all-around, good guy, and a hero.  

DIE HARD is available on TCM.