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Exploding the Myth: Why 'Die Hard' Isn't Really a Christmas Movie

Die Hard, the iconic action film directed by John McTiernan and released in 1988, has long been the center of a festive debate: Is it, or is it not, a Christmas movie? While it's true that the film is set during a Christmas Eve party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles, the holiday spirit is merely a backdrop to a much larger, action-driven narrative. This blog will delve into the reasons why "Die Hard" is better categorized as an action thriller rather than a Christmas film.

What does this have to do with business? Nothing. But it’s a great opportunity to debate amongst your peers. In fact, a colleague and I were debating this topic and while he offered some interesting thoughts, it did NOT dissuade my thinking that Die Hard is a Christmas movie.

The Essence of "Die Hard"

At its core, "Die Hard" is a prototypical action movie. It stars Bruce Willis as John McClane, a New York City police officer who finds himself battling a group of terrorists led by Hans Gruber (played by Alan Rickman) during a Christmas party at his estranged wife's office building. The film is renowned for its high-octane action sequences, Willis's charismatic performance, and its significant impact on the action genre.

Why It's Not a Christmas Movie

  • Primary Focus on Action, Not Christmas: The Christmas setting is incidental to the plot. The focus is on McClane's attempts to thwart the terrorists and save the hostages, including his wife. Christmas elements like decorations and music are present but do not drive the story.
  • Lack of Christmas Themes: Traditional Christmas movies often revolve around themes of love, family, giving, and personal transformation. "Die Hard," on the other hand, focuses on survival, combat, and outsmarting the enemy. While there's a subplot about McClane's relationship with his wife, it's not centered around Christmas themes.
  • The Tone and Style: Christmas movies typically have a feel-good, heartwarming tone. "Die Hard" is tense, violent, and laden with profanity, which is a stark contrast to the typical Christmas movie vibe.
  • Cultural Perception: While some fans argue that watching "Die Hard" during the holiday season has become a tradition, this doesn't inherently classify it as a Christmas movie. It’s more about the thrill and excitement of the action that draws people in.

And if that wasn’t enough of an argument to dissuade your insistence that Die Hard is a Christmas movie, the director John McTiernan has mentioned in interviews that he never intended "Die Hard" to be a Christmas movie. Similarly, Bruce Willis has echoed this sentiment.

The Myth Exploded (pun intended)

While "Die Hard" contains elements of Christmas, its primary genre and focus do not align with traditional Christmas films. It's an action thriller that happens to be set during Christmas, but its plot, tone, and themes are far removed from the holiday spirit typically found in Christmas movies. This distinction doesn't detract from its status as a cinematic masterpiece but rather emphasizes its strength as a leader in the action genre.

Ultimately, whether one considers "Die Hard" a Christmas movie may come down to personal interpretation and tradition, but from a cinematic standpoint, it stands firmly outside the realm of holiday films.

 

 

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