The festive season reignites one of Britain's most passionate cinematic debates: is the action blockbuster Die Hard a genuine Christmas movie? Tonight, Film4 offers viewers the chance to settle the argument once and for all as it broadcasts the 1988 classic starring Bruce Willis.
The Film That Divided a Genre
At its heart, Die Hard follows New York City police detective John McClane (Willis) as he visits Los Angeles to reconcile with his estranged wife at her company's Christmas Eve party. The festive gathering is violently interrupted when the skyscraper is seized by a terrorist group led by the sophisticated and ruthless Hans Gruber, played by the late Alan Rickman. What ensues is a relentless sequence of explosions, shootings, and McClane's desperate attempts to save the hostages, including his wife.
Despite its high-octane action core, the film is steeped in the Christmas spirit. The plot unfolds entirely on Christmas Eve, the soundtrack features four distinct Christmas songs, and the narrative backdrop is a festive office party. Both director John McTiernan and scriptwriter Steven De Souza have publicly affirmed their view that it is, indeed, a Christmas film.
An Unexpected Smash Hit
When Die Hard was released in 1988, expectations were modest. The action genre was waning, and Willis was primarily known as a television actor. However, the film defied all predictions, becoming an unexpected smash hit that grossed around $140 million at the box office and earned four Academy Award nominations.
Willis's portrayal of a vulnerable, flawed everyman hero revitalised the action genre, moving away from the invincible, muscle-bound archetypes of the era. For Alan Rickman, the role of Hans Gruber marked his Hollywood screen debut in his forties and launched him into international stardom. Empire magazine later hailed Gruber as one of the finest villains since Darth Vader.
The Enduring Festive Debate
Despite its legacy as one of the greatest action films ever made, the classification of Die Hard as a Christmas movie remains fiercely contested. A 2022 YouGov survey found that only 37% of Brits consider it a festive flick.
Proponents point to its seasonal setting and soundtrack, while opponents argue it lacks a traditional Christmas message, belonging squarely to the action genre. This division is reflected in viewer comments on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, where the film holds an impressive 94% rating. One fan declared, "One of the best Christmas movies ever made. Yes Christmas movies...", while another praised its timeless appeal: "It’s still hard to top."
Whether you see it as a festive staple or an action masterpiece, Die Hard airs on Film 4 at 9pm tonight, Saturday 29 November, offering a perfect opportunity to judge this cinematic icon for yourself.
