Rating of
4/4
Die Hard review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 08/17/11
Inspiring cop flick that is emulated by many but never duplicated until The Bourne Series. Bruce Willis is Detective John McClane, who is squeezed in a Nakatomi Plaza building where 12 armed men are planning to steal millions of bearer bonds. The criminals are led by the dreadful Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). Sergeant Al Powell (Reginald VelJohnson) is the only one who John trusts, but is overpowered by the FBI. Some lines from the film: Hans – “I wanted this to be professional. Efficient, adult, cooperative, not a lot to ask. Alas, your Mr. Takagi did not see it that way, so he won't be joining us for the rest of his life.” John – “Just a fly in the ointment, Hans. The monkey in the wrench. The pain in the ass.” “Yippee-ki-yay, m@t#%rf^ck&r.” “ I promise I will never even think about going up in a tall building again. Oh, God. Please don't let me die."
One of the best written action flicks has spawned numerous sequels and copy cats. Nothing beats the original. The humor, drama and action were well directed and the supporting cast were effective. Its score and cinematography were good since it really brought out the gritty scenes. The pace of the film really keeps you locked and you feel empathetic when John is in pain, which accounts to its realism factor from the portrayal of Bruce Willis. You feel for the lead since all he wants was to save the people and be with his family. Because of this determination and heroism, it was not unlikely to defeat 12 armed men with a deviously cunning adversary. Most action movies today just rely on stunts, fight scenes and special effects. It lacks the heart and story in which Die Hard triumphs. Definitely a film worth watching repetitively, John McClane’s legacy is indeed hard to die.
