A movie being shown on Film 4 tonight could finally settle one of the biggest Hollywood debates, which has raged for years.
Is Die Hard a Christmas film or not? The charismatic and witty Hollywood star, Bruce Willis, features in the eighties classic , which is available for viewing on Film 4 tonight (Saturday).
In the first instalment of this beloved franchise, a New York City police detective finds himself embroiled in a terrorist takeover of a Los Angeles skyscraper on Christmas Eve.
The late Alan Rickman also stars as the leader of the hijackers, with both actors’ careers skyrocketing after the film became an unexpected blockbuster. Despite now being hailed as one of the greatest action films ever made, it’s also considered a Christmas favourite by many – though the ‘is it or isn’t it’ argument persists at the close of each year.
John McClane (Willis), an NYPD detective, attends his estranged wife’s employer’s Christmas Eve party in hopes of reconciling with her. Upon his arrival at the company’s massive Plaza, the tower is seized by a terrorist group led by German terrorist Hans Gruber (Rickman).
As McClane battles to save the hostages and his wife, Gruber’s ruthless motives become apparent amidst explosive, action-packed scenes filled with gunfire and fatalities, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/controversial-best-ever-christmas-movie-36312783″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.
When the film hit cinemas in 1988, expectations were modest as action films were generally losing their appeal. However, it raked in approximately $140 million at the box office and received four Academy Award nominations.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, Willis’ portrayal of a flawed and failing action hero rekindled interest in a genre that had been dominated by muscle-bound heroes. This role was a turning point in his career, transforming him from a television actor to a leading man.
Rickman’s career trajectory also shifted dramatically with his portrayal of the cunning Gruber. Making his screen debut in his forties, Rickman’s popularity and fame skyrocketed.
Empire magazine hailed Gruber as one of the greatest villains since Darth Vader. Die Hard is now regarded by many as one of the finest action films ever made, setting a high standard for subsequent movies in the genre.
However, the debate over whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas film continues to divide opinion. Advocates argue that the film’s festive setting and inclusion of four Christmas songs in its soundtrack make it a holiday classic.
They also point out that both director John McTiernan and scriptwriter Steven De Souza have claimed it’s a Christmas movie. Detractors, on the other hand, insist it’s purely an action film devoid of any seasonal message.
The debate is so contentious that it resurfaces annually. In 2022, a YouGov survey revealed that only 37% of Brits consider Die Hard a Christmas film.
Die-hard fans of the film on Rotten Tomatoes, where it boasts a 94% rating, are unwavering in their belief in the movie and its festive charm. “One of the best Christmas movies ever made. Yes Christmas movies…” one fan simply said.
“Nothing lasts forever… except for this cinematic party that keeps welcoming us to one of the best action and Christmas movies ever,” another added.
A third acknowledged the debate but was certain about the answer: “One of the most divisive holiday classics, the argument on whether John McTiernan’s Die Hard is a Christmas movie, finds its way to the forefront every year. For myself, the truth is indisputable. Die Hard is a Christmas film – no, a Christmas classic.”
Another highlighted its enduring appeal: “To say Die Hard still holds up is an understatement: charismatic protagonist and antagonist, great action set pieces, well paced and a top class finale. It’s no wonder so many other films and TV series continue to ‘do a Die Hard’, it’s still hard to top.”
