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Few films provoke as much debate every festive season as Die Hard, the 1988 action classic starring Bruce Willis and the late Alan Rickman. Airing tonight on Film 4 at 9pm, the movie continues to divide fans, with some hailing it as one of the greatest Christmas movies ever, while others insist it’s strictly a high-octane action film.
In the first instalment of the franchise, Willis plays NYPD detective John McClane, who travels to Los Angeles to attend the Christmas Eve party of his estranged wife’s employer, hoping to reconcile. But the party at the Nakatomi Plaza skyscraper takes a deadly turn when a group of terrorists, led by Rickman’s charismatic villain Hans Gruber, stages a high-stakes takeover. McClane is forced to fight to save the hostages, his wife, and ultimately the day, in a series of now-iconic explosions, shootouts, and tense standoffs.
When the film premiered in 1988, expectations were modest. Action films were beginning to wane in popularity, and Bruce Willis was best known for his role on television rather than the big screen. However, Die Hard became an unexpected smash, grossing around $140 million at the box office and earning four Academy Award nominations. Willis’ portrayal of the flawed, witty, and determined McClane was widely credited with reinvigorating the action genre, setting a new standard for heroes who were clever rather than purely muscular.
Bruce Willis stars as John McClane – Credit: Handout
Similarly, Alan Rickman, who made his feature film debut at the age of 41, became an instant fan favourite. His portrayal of the cunning Gruber is frequently cited among the greatest cinematic villains of all time, with Empire magazine praising him as one of the finest antagonists since Darth Vader. The chemistry between Willis and Rickman, hero and villain, has become central to the film’s enduring appeal.
Yet, the question that resurfaces every year remains: is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Supporters argue that the film’s Christmas Eve setting, seasonal soundtrack featuring four holiday songs, and creators’ own statements affirm its festive credentials. Director John McTiernan and screenwriter Steven De Souza have both claimed the film is a Christmas story. Critics and sceptics counter that the plot, themes, and focus on action remove it from the traditional holiday genre. A 2022 YouGov survey even revealed that only 37% of Brits consider it a festive film.
Despite this ongoing debate, fans continue to celebrate Die Hard’s seasonal and cinematic appeal. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an impressive 94% rating, with viewers praising its enduring action, charismatic performances, and tension-filled plot. Comments range from calling it “one of the best Christmas movies ever made” to asserting it is “a Christmas classic, indisputable.”
Rickman shot to fame after the film's success – Credit: Internet Unknown
Beyond its festive classification, the film’s influence is undeniable. Its clever action sequences, fast pacing, and memorable lines have inspired countless films and TV series, with the “Die Hard formula” often cited as a benchmark for thrillers and holiday-set action films alike.
Whether you’re a staunch defender of its Christmas status or just in it for the explosions, Die Hard remains a beloved and timeless film. Fans have a chance to revisit it tonight on Film 4 at 9pm, and perhaps finally settle the seasonal debate for themselves.
