5. The Redemption Of Al Powell
Its brilliant that the best punch-the-air moment isnt because of something that John McClane does, its Al Powell. We know he hasnt fired a gun in anger since he killed a child, so his reaction when Karl breaks free and levels his gun at a guy hes been friends with for less than an hour, is beautiful wish fulfilment. In a way, Als a bit like us. Hes tagged along with John, been there for support throughout the film, but without being able to act. But now, now he rises to the occasion, inspired by McClane, helped by a masterful few seconds of editing and music. Die Hard is a story about the ordinary guy taking on the seemingly impossible, and never more so than in Al Powells redemption in these last few moments. Cutting between a devil-like Karl (flames lapping the background) ready to fire, McClane helplessly looking on, and the shots from another gun, tell the story. But its the final reveal, a tilt up on the barrel and pull-focus to show Als face - as amazed as we are that hes saved the day - with a swell of Michael Kamens best hero music, that gets you every time.
4. The Whole Package
And while were talking about music, a word for the way the whole film is put together. Over the last 46 entries Ive talked about great framing, edits, and camera moves. But its also worth remembering Die Hard was up for a whole host of technical awards, for both the visual and sound elements of the film. Watching it again (four times for this piece by the way, and I loved each viewing) it really does come together as a complete package on one viewing I turned the visuals off to just hear what the film sounds like, and its still a cracker. Add that to the brilliantly layered script, a constant see-saw of emotions, superb set pieces, supremely black humour, and nigh-on perfect casting across the board, and you get close to the reason why it all comes together to make my favourite action film of all time. Oh, youre welcome to disagree by the way - submit your film and 50 reasons below if you fancy...
3. Hollys Parting Shot
Die Hard knows how to tie up a loose end, and the way that it closes off Dick Thornbergs story is lovely. An enraged Holly walloping him across the face for daring to bring her family into danger is not only a laugh out loud moment, it just reaffirms that her and John really are meant to be together. And while the sequel never reaches the heights (excuse the pun) of the original, the return of Holly vs Dick in Die Hard 2 is a success just because of these fleeting few seconds.
2. It Leaves Us Wanting More
A great final punch line to end on and something that leaves us wanting more. As Argyle shuts the limo door on John and Holly he says:
If this is their idea of Christmas, I gotta be here for New Year's. Summing up the way we all feel by now, its been a tremendous ride and wed really love some more please. In an airport you say? Naked kung-fu supervillain you say? Man stabbed in eye with icicle you say? Not quite as good as the original you say? Hah, the likelihood of the same thing happening to the same guy twice? At Christmas? Youd be mad to suggest it.
1. The Legacy
It may be 25 years old but Die Hard is still shorthand for great action film. You know a film is iconic, when its used as a reference point for other movies. Dozens of films have been pitched to us as Die Hard on a plane," Die Hard on a boat," and, uh, Die Hard in an estate agents." Yet none ever reach the heights of one man, a vest, and a skyscraper full of terrorists. Even the TV adverts for A Good Day to Die Hard ended with the voiceover man simply saying Die Hard but not the rest of the title, trying to recall and recycle the good will the franchise earned 25 years ago. Sadly, the latest film could never capture the magic of that first installment. But that's OK - we'll always have the original to remind us.
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