How does adrenaline combine with the magic of the holidays? How does a Christmas experience start with gunfire and explosions? Below, we will discover why the movie "Die Hard" is not just another crime thriller, but the ultimate Christmas movie. With action elements that surpass the usual limits and humor that serves as a reference point, "Die Hard" offers us a complete experience that redefines the concept of traditional beloved Christmas movies.

It was released in 1988 and directed by John McTiernan, with Steven De Souza as the screenwriter. Bruce Willis stars, while other significant roles include Bonnie Bedelia, Alan Rickman, Reginald VelJohnson, and others.

The plot focuses on police officer John McClane, an anti-hero trapped in a luxurious skyscraper on Christmas Eve when a group of terrorists takes over the building. He tries to protect the innocent and, while facing the enemies, McClane delivers a unique blend of action, humor, and human resilience. With continuous action, memorable lines, and interesting character conflicts, this film is one of the most groundbreaking Christmas works.

However, the debate about whether "Die Hard" is a Christmas movie continues to be a subject of disagreement and discussion among fans and critics, and the festive nature of the film is questioned. Some argue that the action elements and the intensity of the plot make it less suitable for the Christmas atmosphere, but let's discover the points that challenge this interpretation.

Airports and Travel:  Christmas is the reason for the existence of all events and developments of the characters in the movie. John McClane (Bruce Willis) arrives at the international airport LAX holding a Christmas gift to deliver to his loved ones.

Christmas Celebrations: It unfolds on Christmas Eve until Christmas morning, with the action taking place at Nakatomi Plaza, which is decorated with Christmas lights and other decorations. John McClane meets his wife in the same area where the company party is taking place.

Christmas Songs: In the movie, Christmas songs such as "Winter Wonderland," "Christmas in Hollis," and "Ode to Joy" are heard. The soundtrack also includes new and old Christmas melodies: Run DMC's Christmas in Hollis and Frank Sinatra's rendition of Let it Snow, which contribute to the Christmas spirit.

Family Bonds: Despite the action and explosions, the movie advocates for the institution of family, love, and reconnection. McClane, after all, protects his wife in the movie and aims to reunite with his children and spend time with them during the holidays.

Location and Conditions: The robbery takes place at the Plaza, also due to the Christmas party and the ease of taking hostages as the police may be less active during those days. The character Al Powell (Reginald VelJohnson), who plays the police officer, is off duty and is there only because he had stopped to buy Christmas lights for his pregnant wife.

The Santa Claus of Christmas: The character of John McClane has been declared the "Santa Claus of Christmas" as he tries to save the day during the holidays with determination and humor.

The Humor: McClane's "casual" remarks and the overall tone of the movie add lightness to the story. McClane's ability to deal with adrenaline with humor creates a contrast with the classic police hero.

Characters: The main villain Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) explicitly invokes the spirit of Christmas: "It's Christmas, Theo, it's the time of miracles". The most "striking" is, of course, the name of John McClane's wife, who is named Holly!!

Santa Claus makes (approximately) his appearance. There is a scene where John "takes care of" a villain and then puts a Santa Claus hat on him as a warning to the main competitor and mastermind (Gruber).

The movie ends with the character of the limousine driver Argyle (De'voreaux White) looking forward to New Year's Eve.

Overall, there are 21 references to Christmas, as counted, including the Christmas parties, Santa Claus hats, Christmas trees, "ho-ho-hos," and Run-DMC's "Christmas in Hollis."

According to the above points, we assume that the movie is a Christmas masterpiece that is primarily aimed at adults.

After all, not all movies need to include religious references or necessarily feature a man in a red suit to be considered festive. Moreover, like all traditions, they continue to adapt and evolve just like people!

❆❆❆ Happy viewing ❆❆❆

Yippee-ki-yay!!!