Die Hard, the action-packed film starring Bruce Willis as John McClane, is often debated as to whether it belongs in the Christmas movie category. While some argue that its intense action and violence don’t fit the traditional holiday vibe, we’re here to make a case for its rightful place among Christmas classics like Home Alone and It’s a Wonderful Life.
First off, let’s set the scene: Die Hard takes place on Christmas Eve, with John McClane battling terrorists who have taken over a Los Angeles skyscraper. The Nakatomi Plaza, decked out in festive lights and decorations, provides a backdrop that’s undeniably Christmasy.
Secondly, the film is full of Christmas spirit. John McClane, despite being in the midst of a hostage situation, still manages to crack wise and maintain a sense of humor. This lightheartedness, mixed with the film’s iconic Christmas setting, creates a unique blend of action and holiday cheer.
Die Hard also embodies the themes of family and togetherness, central to any Christmas movie. John McClane’s determination to save his wife, Holly, drives his actions throughout the film. Their reunion at the end, amidst the chaos and destruction, is a heartwarming reminder of the importance of family during the holiday season.
The film was released in July 1988, and has become a staple of Christmas programming on television and streaming services since. That would make it 35 years old!
But, is it a Christmas Movie?
Die Hard is a Christmas Movie,
A fact that no one can deny!
If you still doubt it’s festive cred,
then here’s some Yuletide reasons why:It’s set at a Christmas party,
taking place on Christmas Eve.
The most festive time of year
all non-believers must agree!John Mclane’s wished,
‘Merry Christmas’,
When he lands
at LAX.Sleigh bells ring
as one minute, fifty!
Festive so far?
Yes, you bet!Then there’s John’s wife,
her name’s Holly.
How many more clues?
Is this enough?The only thing missing
is a Christmas turkey,
but Hans Gruber does
get stuffed!Twelve villains crash the party,
Twelve days of Christmas,
Coincidental?
We think not!18 mentions
of the word
Christmas,
quite the Merry melting pot!Is Die Hard a Christmas Movie?
We’ve proved that beyond a doubt!
So John McClane’s a festive hero,
Yippee-Ki-Yay, Hans, over and out!
We would also like to add that…
- There are Santa jokes, Santa Hats, Christmas Trees and lights.
- There is Christmas music being played.
- The word “Christmas” appears 18 times in the script, which is more than the words “explode” (4), “die” (5),”hard” (11), “shoot” (12), “kill” (13) and “blood” (13).
- Die Hard features “Christmas in Hollis“, “Winter Wonderland“, a whistled section of “Jingle Bells” and a rousing rendition of “Let It Snow” over the end credits. This means that audibly, Die Hard is more Christmassy than 99.2% of all movies released over the past thirty years.
So there you go! Die Hard is more than just an action movie; it’s a Christmas classic!
So grab your eggnog, put on your coziest pajamas, and settle in for a holiday viewing of Die Hard. Yippee-ki-yay, Christmas movie lovers!
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