Why is 'Die Hard' so perfect?

[Obsidian]

"Die Hard" is a masterpiece! Die Hard 2 and 3 are decent action flicks, but Die Hard 3 is less of a Die Hard film and feels more like a "Lethal Weapon" movie

 

[tinister]

Answering the question, a big part of it was Bruce Willis, IMO. He has real charisma and made the character´s sense of humor in this dangerous situation feel real and honest. It wasn´t afraid to be R-rated or to have a hero cop who could kill without whining over it, it was tight and clever and never so over-the-top that puts you off the hook, everything is practical and believable, and the villain is witty and played with a great sense of irony by Alan Rickman.

I agree. Die Hard was an awesome movie - but it would not have been the huge success without Willis. He wasn't that big a star back then, so his character registered as just a regular dude caught in an extraordinary situation. Every male in the audience identified with Willis, and this gave almost all of his actions and reactions in the movie a certain level of reality.

I saw it in the movie theater as part of a double feature with the first Lethal Weapon - if I remember right. It was just me and my best friend. One of the most memorable times I had at the movies.

 

[Edd Extraordinaire]

To be honest, it was the first successful film of its genre.

 

[Ghostvirus]

"Die Hard" is a masterpiece! Die Hard 2 and 3 are decent action flicks, but Die Hard 3 is less of a Die Hard film and feels more like a "Lethal Weapon" movie

This begs the question. Why hasn't there been a Die Hard/Lethal Weapon movie? It wouldn't be that hard. Just have them all join together to fight some dude, or dudes.

 

[7Hells]

Any movie with Alan Rickman as the villian is incredible.

 

[Electro UK]

Watching it now, first time in like a year and a half maybe? Jesus H. Christ, what a movie...

* Cool hero? Check.

* Cool bad guy? Check.

* Cool sidekick, and great bond of friendship between the hero and him? Check

* A female character that not only is not annoying, but actually helps the plot and is very believable? Check.

* Awesome script, that apart from being tight, it's actually witty and funny (not forced and/or annoying like most action movies today)? Check

* Amazing, and I mean AMAZING action? Check.

* Argyle? Check. (Yes, he's a category unto himself....because he's a cool motherf***er.)

Such a rewatchable movie.

No annoying prettyboy models that try to pass as action stars, no "plucky" female characters, no precocious kids, no horrible pop soundtrack (except what Argyle listens to, but he can because he rocks).

In my humple opinion, THE perfect American action movie.

Often imitated, never equaled.

Oh you finally got your act together and watched it again huh?

Die Hard is the most awesome thing that could ever exist.

 

[Electro UK]

Oh and here's the ultimate Die Hard list in answer to Gammy's question... I made it myself!

Because of the awesome name
Because of Alan Rickman's great acting
Because of Bruce Willis's great acting
Because of the huge amounts of violence
Because of Mclane's wit
Because of Hans' brilliant character
Because of Hans' sarcasm
Because of the huge long fight scenes with lots of blood
Because its the first real film of its kind
Because its the definitive action movie
Because of "Yipee Kaiaye Mother *****er
Because of the humour of the useless police
Because of the huge cannon that Al has even though he never aims a gun at people
Because of Argayle's humour
Because Argayle smacked that black dude out
Because of the little hockey puck grenade things
Because of the stoopid F.B.I. guys being blown up
Because John Mclane dropped down an elevator shaft
Because it has a nice pair of boobs in it
Because of the Chinese guy that eats the chocolate while shooting the SWAT team
Because of the bit where John blows his gun after shooting Hans and the other guy
Because of Dick Thorneburg
Because of the Anchroman who tries to impress the audience but totally fails
Because of the large amounts of swearing
Because of pushing C4 down an elevator shaft
Because of the scene wherethe vault opens
Because of "Now I have a machine gun HO-HO-HO."
Because of the hard guy with long hair
Because John Mclane jumps off a building with only a fire hose tied round his waist
Because you get a slow motion shot of Hans falling from the building
Because of the way the "Die" and "Hard" smack into each other for the opening title
Beause of "Welcome to the Party pal."
Because of John using the tape to stick the gun to his back
Because of the sharing of laughter before John blows Hans away
Because of blowing up a police RB
Because of the phrase "Butt *****ed"
Because of the SWAT guys hurting themselves on the roses
Because of the blonde long haired guy being strung up
Because of the AWESOME soundtrack
Because of John Mclane shooting up the terroists legs from under the table and saying "Thanks for the advice."
Because of John's cockiness when he points the gun at Han's when he pretends to be american
Because of "You think I'm stupid Hans?" Ding! "You were saying?"
Because of Let It Snow being the ending song
Because of the utter explosions on Karle's (the blonde long haired guy) body as Al shoots him
Because of John's "Woo!" as he hugs Al
Because John talks to himself
Because of "Come out to the coast, we'll get together have a few laughs."
Because the DVD cover is awesome
Because of the scene where John'spulling glass out of his foot.

I could probably go on for many more an hour.

 

[Electro UK]

You know, I actually don't like DH2 that much.

It's like an average action movie, with the bonus of having John McClane

But Die Hard with a Vengeance rocks, I should buy that one.

We're gonna go over this one last time... you buy this:



Its beautiful, best thing I've ever owned. I'd step over my own Mother for it. Inside is even better however.



3 films treasured so much, terroists make targets of them.

And FINALLY, you also get this orgasmic piece of material (well not this exact one, this is my personal one):



All of that, and the rest of your DVD collection doesn't matter when it looks like this:



I'd take a bullet for it. And that's not a lie. I. Love. Die. Hard.

 

[Lord Valumart]

Any movie with Alan Rickman as the villian is incredible.

help, i'm a fish?

 

[Lord Valumart]

We're gonna go over this one last time... you buy this:



Its beautiful, best thing I've ever owned. I'd step over my own Mother for it. Inside is even better however.



3 films treasured so much, terroists make targets of them.

And FINALLY, you also get this orgasmic piece of material (well not this exact one, this is my personal one):



All of that, and the rest of your DVD collection doesn't matter when it looks like this:



I'd take a bullet for it. And that's not a lie. I. Love. Die. Hard.

i want that box set but i have the 1+2 boxset and the 2 disc edition of the 3rd, all bought about 3 weeks before the boxset came out

 

[D.Rex]

One of the most kickass movies I've ever seen. Great action and story. McClane is one of my all time favorite movie heroes.

 

[SoulManX]

That movie kicks so much ass that we study it in film school.

DIE HARD

 

[jimmylace]

Why is "Die Hard" so perfect?

There are a vast number of reasons as to why Die Hard is such a perfect film and why THERE WILL NEVER BE A BETTER ACTION FILM MADE AGAIN.

1- When it was made!

with political correctness out of the way, a major factor in the success of this movie is that it was made in a time where it was okay to portray strong masculine roles that men can relate to and still do.

subsequent action movies would usually include the annoying female
side-kick. Dont get me wrong, I've got nothing against ass-kicking girls but they usually never work in movies because:

a/ like it or not, women are not as prone to violence in reality.

b/ ^they tend to fail to explain what has motivated said girl to be a fighter.

c/ girls are still not portrayed as equals in modern movies- female characters are *required* to have a "sexual power" to them which usually means that despite being rough and tumble they always *have* to look overly sexy-which automatically makes them less believable and goes against the nature of the character. i.e wearing catsuits for no reason.

Usually theyre always "self-aware" of the fact that "hey I'm a girl kicking ass wink wink nudge mudge*, ...and of course the big one.

d/ Because of the lack of equality, we can't see a female action character die on screen at the hands of a man , so theres never a sense of threat.
The only female action hero to have ever worked was sigourney weaver as ripley and that's only because it was not written with a girl in mind.

2- No CGI, no over stylisation

The above means that theres no pretention, no silly shaky-cam or uber-slick look, just a slightly heightened reality full of well-written and crowd pleasing cliches...if youre too cocky, youre going to die....but damn it works and you believe youre there with him.


3- It's a story that every one loves- the out-numbered average joe triumphs against the rich baddies with the toys, using god-given ingenuity.

4- R-rated....necessary for a movie on this subject, not tailored to get as much money as possible by aiming it at kids. made in a time where the movie came first, then the box-office.

5- Tight. Very tightly written, with no-fat around the edges. characterisation is strong but this is communicated though quick-fire dialogue and reactions instead of "hangin around with the character for 2 hr 45 minutes. Die Hard is tight and lean.

6-The surprise factor-Bruce Willis turns in a great performance. The baddies are hilariously sterotypical but it's great. Alan Rickman is great in this movie too. It's well-acted and well directed.

 

[jimmylace]

the sequels are very good too, *and thats because they don't try to be the first one. very much looking forward to Die Hard 4 next summer.....

 

[블라스]

Why is "Die Hard" so perfect?

There are a vast number of reasons as to why Die Hard is such a perfect film and why THERE WILL NEVER BE A BETTER ACTION FILM MADE AGAIN.

1- When it was made!

with political correctness out of the way, a major factor in the success of this movie is that it was made in a time where it was okay to portray strong masculine roles that men can relate to and still do.

subsequent action movies would usually include the annoying female
side-kick. Dont get me wrong, I've got nothing against ass-kicking girls but they usually never work in movies because:

a/ like it or not, women are not as prone to violence in reality.

b/ ^they tend to fail to explain what has motivated said girl to be a fighter.

c/ girls are still not portrayed as equals in modern movies- female characters are *required* to have a "sexual power" to them which usually means that despite being rough and tumble they always *have* to look overly sexy-which automatically makes them less believable and goes against the nature of the character. i.e wearing catsuits for no reason.

Usually theyre always "self-aware" of the fact that "hey I'm a girl kicking ass wink wink nudge mudge*, ...and of course the big one.

d/ Because of the lack of equality, we can't see a female action character die on screen at the hands of a man , so theres never a sense of threat.
The only female action hero to have ever worked was sigourney weaver as ripley and that's only because it was not written with a girl in mind.

2- No CGI, no over stylisation

The above means that theres no pretention, no silly shaky-cam or uber-slick look, just a slightly heightened reality full of well-written and crowd pleasing cliches...if youre too cocky, youre going to die....but damn it works and you believe youre there with him.


3- It's a story that every one loves- the out-numbered average joe triumphs against the rich baddies with the toys, using god-given ingenuity.

4- R-rated....necessary for a movie on this subject, not tailored to get as much money as possible by aiming it at kids. made in a time where the movie came first, then the box-office.

5- Tight. Very tightly written, with no-fat around the edges. characterisation is strong but this is communicated though quick-fire dialogue and reactions instead of "hangin around with the character for 2 hr 45 minutes. Die Hard is tight and lean.

6-The surprise factor-Bruce Willis turns in a great performance. The baddies are hilariously sterotypical but it's great. Alan Rickman is great in this movie too. It's well-acted and well directed.

Great post, my man

 

[Spike_x1]

It's not just a perfect action movie. It's a perfect Christmas movie. I always watch it around the holidays, because it just puts you in such a good mood for that time of year. "Let it Snow" during the end credits is absolutely genius. up:

 

[블라스]

Ok, I just finished it for the 2nd. time this weekend, and I found some more awesome things.

- The 'John vs. Karl' fight is f***ing hardcore. Karl has his old school Karate, but John just punches the hell out of him. He just doesn't care Karl is a freaking giant.

- The way John just KNOWS who Al is, and their meeting....ugh... so awesome.

****, this movie rules.

 

[ultimatefan]

Why is "Die Hard" so perfect?

There are a vast number of reasons as to why Die Hard is such a perfect film and why THERE WILL NEVER BE A BETTER ACTION FILM MADE AGAIN.

1- When it was made!

with political correctness out of the way, a major factor in the success of this movie is that it was made in a time where it was okay to portray strong masculine roles that men can relate to and still do.

subsequent action movies would usually include the annoying female
side-kick. Dont get me wrong, I've got nothing against ass-kicking girls but they usually never work in movies because:

a/ like it or not, women are not as prone to violence in reality.

b/ ^they tend to fail to explain what has motivated said girl to be a fighter.

c/ girls are still not portrayed as equals in modern movies- female characters are *required* to have a "sexual power" to them which usually means that despite being rough and tumble they always *have* to look overly sexy-which automatically makes them less believable and goes against the nature of the character. i.e wearing catsuits for no reason.

Usually theyre always "self-aware" of the fact that "hey I'm a girl kicking ass wink wink nudge mudge*, ...and of course the big one.

d/ Because of the lack of equality, we can't see a female action character die on screen at the hands of a man , so theres never a sense of threat.
The only female action hero to have ever worked was sigourney weaver as ripley and that's only because it was not written with a girl in mind.

2- No CGI, no over stylisation

The above means that theres no pretention, no silly shaky-cam or uber-slick look, just a slightly heightened reality full of well-written and crowd pleasing cliches...if youre too cocky, youre going to die....but damn it works and you believe youre there with him.


3- It's a story that every one loves- the out-numbered average joe triumphs against the rich baddies with the toys, using god-given ingenuity.

4- R-rated....necessary for a movie on this subject, not tailored to get as much money as possible by aiming it at kids. made in a time where the movie came first, then the box-office.
5- Tight. Very tightly written, with no-fat around the edges. characterisation is strong but this is communicated though quick-fire dialogue and reactions instead of "hangin around with the character for 2 hr 45 minutes. Die Hard is tight and lean.

6-The surprise factor-Bruce Willis turns in a great performance. The baddies are hilariously sterotypical but it's great. Alan Rickman is great in this movie too. It's well-acted and well directed.

It´s all cool, except in Hollywood the box office ALWAYS came first... Back then R-rated action movies full of testosterone were in high demand.

 

[matrix_ghost]

it's a special time in a young mans life when he sees Die Hard for the first time...
if you ever find a woman who likes all three and understands the Die Hard high five...she's a keeper

anyhow....DIE HARD ****ING ROCKS *****!!!

LMAO t: t: t:
This seriously made me laugh out loud

But yeah , Die Hard is just a prime example of how chemistry works and how NOT to make characters annoying.
But as much as i love Die Hard 1 , i still think the 3rd one is the best.
The opening with John wearing the sign and then the blakc guy screaming "What the Fu ck !". And of course , the plot is so absurd that it actually makes sense

And last but not least , the one speech :

Zeus: Why do you keep calling me 'Jesus'? Do I look Puerto Rican to you?
John McClane: Guy back there called you 'Jesus'.
Zeus: He didn't say 'Jesus'. He said, "Hey, Zeus!" My name is Zeus.
John McClane: Zeus?
Zeus: Yeah, Zeus. As in father of Apollo? Mt. Olympus? Don't fu ck with me or I'll shove a lightning bolt up your ass? Zeus! You got a problem with that?

God actually created the F-bomb for Sam Jackson when he first breathed life into his body.

 

[Wolfwood]

In case no one has seen it:

Die Hard in old fashion silent film style:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=StuihXsyEqU&mode=related&search=

 

[Spoarz™]

I absolutely f**king love Die Hard. It's probably the movie I've seen the most times throughout my life, and I mean a dangerous amount of times, especially considering I'm only 20. I don't like to say this very often about a film, but Die Hard truly is a perfect movie.

 

[jimmylace]

Great post, my man

thanks t:

 

[jimmylace]

It´s all cool, except in Hollywood the box office ALWAYS came first... Back then R-rated action movies full of testosterone were in high demand.

yeah, I agree...it was just artistic license I was using to make my argument a little more coherent. What I meant, or was implying, is that it was made in a time before the super-blockbuster...and like you say when there was a demand for r-rated movies like predator, lethal weapon, commando etc...and most of these movies were very pro-gun

 

[StarWarsAgent]

Why is the movie called "Die Hard?" is Bruce never dies in the movie?

 

[XwolverineX]

This thread is making me want to buy the collectors edition DVD.