Die Hard's 25th Anniversary

[Mrs. Sawyer]

Tomorrow is the 25th Anniversary of Die Hard! It's amazing how a movie that this went through so many changes, from being a hard boiled Frank Sinatra Vehicle based on the novel Nothing Last Forever, to a Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle as a sequel to Commando, to the movie we have today that forever changed the landscape of action movies.

Die Hard was turned down by Schwarzenegger, Richard Gere, Harrison Ford, Clint Eastwood, Burt Reynolds, Sylvester Stallone, and Don Johnson before turning to a relatively unknown Bruce Willis and giving him an unprecedented $5 million for the movie.

What are you guys favorite characters, moments, quotes, stories of production?

 

[redhawk23]

Personally I think Die Hard is one of the most perfect movies ever made. That is not hyperbole. I simply think it is a really well put together movie that succeeds in all of its aims.

 

[jacobed]

I completely agree

 

[flickchick85]

Personally I think Die Hard is one of the most perfect movies ever made. That is not hyperbole. I simply think it is a really well put together movie that succeeds in all of its aims.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[Mrs. Sawyer]

Succeeds in everything except for one thing: Keeping John McClaine's feet unscarred.

 

[-JKR-]

Personally I think Die Hard is one of the most perfect movies ever made. That is not hyperbole. I simply think it is a really well put together movie that succeeds in all of its aims.

I agree. Same with the original Back to the Future. And they don't even carry the baggage of films trying to be perfect (which often lack in spontaneity) - they just are. It's lightning in a bottle.

A lot of that merit goes to director John McTiernan, probably one of the most underrated directors of all time. With more luck, he could've been in the same league as the very big players. He's got just such CLARITY when talking about the craft of filmmaking (and you see that clarity in his work: He just KNOWS how to construct a sequence), it's mesmerizing. Dammit for behind-the-scenes dramas, and whatever stuff he got involved in (problematic shoots, wiretapping, etc.).

Unfortunately, whenever I watch a new action action movie, his work for Predator and Die Hard comes to my mind, and the audacious visuals and the eye for storytelling, and... I end up wishing there'd be more directors like him working today.

 

[Rocketman]

One of the most perfect films ever made.

Die Hard
Back to the Future
Ghostbusters
Beetlejuice
T2: Judgment Day

I call these The Unbeatable 5.

 

[Mrs. Sawyer]

Die Hard + Leathal Weapon = two of the greatest action movies made

 

[GREEN =w= DAY]

Personally I think Die Hard is one of the most perfect movies ever made. That is not hyperbole. I simply think it is a really well put together movie that succeeds in all of its aims.

pretty much this

i get weird looks from people sometimes when i list Die Hard as one of my top 10 films

 

[NewYorkSpider]

Still love Die Hard to this day. There were a lot of good movies made in the 80's.

 

[-JKR-]

pretty much this

i get weird looks from people sometimes when i list Die Hard as one of my top 10 films

Then tell people to go eff' themselves because they know nothing about the medium. Die Hard is a perfect piece of filmmaking. It being a lighthearted and charming action-thriller doesn't make it a less perfect or intelligent piece of work.

Especially those who snub Die Hard, acting as cinephiles and experts, should open their eyes wide open and take a deeper look at the film, and how it's done.

 

[Mrs. Sawyer]

I don't think real cinephiles or experts would snub Die Hard.

 

[Sawyer]

I was fully prepared to come in here praising the movie, until I saw that Parker started the thread...

So, basically, **** Die Hard.

Spoiler

 

[A Necessary Evil]

Parker, bubby.

 

[Mrs. Sawyer]

I was fully prepared to come in here praising the movie, until I saw that Parker started the thread...

So, basically, **** Die Hard.

Spoiler

Die Hard doesn't need your love, anyway.

Parker, bubby.

*Shoots*

 

[Gianakin_]

Like most here have already stated, this film is perfection. Can't really choose favorite moments, characters, etc.

 

[GREEN =w= DAY]

Then tell people to go eff' themselves because they know nothing about the medium. Die Hard is a perfect piece of filmmaking. It being a lighthearted and charming action-thriller doesn't make it a less perfect or intelligent piece of work.

Especially those who snub Die Hard, acting as cinephiles and experts, should open their eyes wide open and take a deeper look at the film, and how it's done.

exactly what i say, lol

really hate those wannabe "film buffs" that think they know what's a masterpiece and what's not

 

[Mrs. Sawyer]

"Film buff" that don't consider Die Hard a masterpiece are just that, wannabes.

 

[RetrogradeOrbit]

Yep, a great film. I just wish we could get one more of similar quality...

 

[Jake Cassidy]

One of the most perfect films ever made.

Die Hard
Back to the Future
Ghostbusters
Beetlejuice
T2: Judgment Day

I call these The Unbeatable 5.

I agree with those but I'd also have to include 'The Princess Bride'.

 

[jacobed]

I would take out Beetlejuice and T2

 

[Octoberist]

Nah, T2 is perfect.

And yes, I would add The Princess Bride and The Empire Strikes Back in there.

 

[GREEN =w= DAY]

would be cool if Die Hard got a 25th anniversary special screening kind of like how Back To The Future got one

 

[Jake Cassidy]

Die Hard + Leathal Weapon = two of the greatest action movies made

80's movies are awesome.

 

[BlackFox]

One of the most perfect films ever made.

Die Hard
Back to the Future
Ghostbusters
Beetlejuice
T2: Judgment Day

I call these The Unbeatable 5.

+Aliens

The Impassable 6