Die Hard: the beloved action-filled Christmas cult classic. For everyone who just scowled when they read that, that’s right. Die Hard is a Christmas movie, and those who are somehow confident enough to disagree, take a deep breath and I’ll explain why.
What makes a holiday movie a holiday movie? Since the welcome rise of “Hallmark Holiday”, and the widespread invasion of repetitive spin-offs, sequels, and remakes, holiday film has come far from James Stewart barreling down Bedford Falls, screaming, “Merry Christmas!”.
For better, or worse, the winter holiday genre has evolved to be chronically repetitive in its exploration of the same themes and motifs. Yet, despite this obvious regurgitation, the public loves it.
The fact that there is such heavy reinforcement of the same messages solidifies not only their evergreen quality across generations, but the importance and sentimentality we hold for these messages.
After all, what makes holiday movies holiday movies are their messages, themes, and ability to embody the seasonal values and spirit of the winter season.
This being said, Die Hard undeniably fits that description once you look past the submachines, rifles, terrorism, violent assault, and fear mongering!
Consider the plot. At its essence, Die Hard is about a man, estranged from his wife and children. He’s trying to mend his relationship with his family despite the emotional and physical distance between them, all in the holiday spirit. Going to visit them for Christmas, the tough and rough New York police officer sets down his pride and attempts to make up with his wife.
Beneath the circumstances of the terrorist hold-up in Nakatomi Plaza and the festive decorations, it’s about McClane’s determination to save his wife and the Christmas partygoers, his estranged wife’s persisting faith in him regardless of their conflicts, and their hope of mending their family’s rift. The story is about something deeper than Bruce Willis kicking ass.
It’s about miracles and hope. If that isn’t the spirit of Christmas, I don’t know what is.
And of course, yes, there’s the question of setting.
Now, should a holiday setting alone define a holiday film? No. But the fact that Die Hard does incorporate Christmas music, pretty wrapped presents, Santa hats, and Christmas trees into the visual aesthetics of the plot does help stimulate an undeniable association with the holiday.
Besides, what other type of movie would feature Run-D.M.C singing ‘Christmas in Hollis’?
Speaking of which- ‘Christmas in Hollis’ not only featuring on the soundtrack, but being referenced in a memorable scene at the start of the movie with Argyle cranking up the tune in the limo, is a testament to the Holiday relevance, albeit unconventional.
“Don’t you got any Christmas music?” McClane asks.
To which Argyle enthusiastically responds, “This is Christmas music!”
It’s a playful reference, humorously acknowledging the contrast between McClane’s traditional Holiday expectations and Argyle’s modern, alternative vibe, perfectly reflecting the movie’s spirited twist on Holiday traditions.
At the end of the day, Die Hard has the sentiment, soundtrack, and themes for a Holiday film, and I for one can’t wait to watch it in front of the fire with a mug of hot cocoa this December.
