I remember watching Die Hard for the first time when I was 16 years old. Ever since, it has been my favourite movie.
The film actually manages to be epic and relatable at the same time, in my opinion. I mean it's easy to relate to someone who got into an argument about the way their life is turning out with someone they care about, the gunfights and explosions notwithstanding.
In fact, I plan on taking pages out of Die Hard in my own writing regarding the interactions of the protagonists and their loved ones.
I also like the fact that John, as competent and quick thinking as he is, actually struggles with the threat which Hans and the other gunmen pose, and initially just wants the cops to deal with them; likewise, his sabotage is mostly done out of desparation.
Another thing which strikes me about the first, in case I didn't say this, is that John wants someone else to handle the situation, and only acts when he feels he has to, so engaging in combat against armed gunmen is not a pleasant experience for him like watching it is for the audience. He is not a juggernaut. He is a human fucking being. He actually gets injured in the fray, he actually has feelings, he actually gives a shit.
As for Hans, the man is a chilling portrayal of a glib and superficially charming psychopath. He does not care what anyone thinks of him as long as he can profit off of the results, and the scariest thing about him is that while his actions make him, doubtlessly, a truly ruthless individual, he still has enough charm that you almost forget how ruthless he is.
I read the second draft of the original script online, and I must say, while that version of Hans was more blatantly vicious, this version, in a way, is much scarier.
I also read the first draft, and Hans was even more vicious in that one, but cannot compare to the film version.
It's nice seeing two genuinely clever individuals face off. It's almost like a game of chess, only much more suspenseful.
This film had heart that a lot of films lack.
Overall, it has the right combination of pathos, banter and excitement I want in an action film, and I don't think I will ever get sick of watching it.
Die Hard: Welcome to the party, pal!
I remember watching Die Hard for the first time when I was 16 years old. Ever since, it has been my favourite movie. The film actually manages to be epic and relatable at the same time, in my opinion. I mean it's easy to relate to someone who got into an argument about the way their life is turning out with someone they care about, the gunfights and explosions notwithstanding.
In fact, I plan on taking pages out of Die Hard in my own writing regarding the interactions of the protagonists and their loved ones.
I also like the fact that John, as competent and quick thinking as he is, actually struggles with the threat which Hans and the other gunmen pose, and initially just wants the cops to deal with them; likewise, his sabotage is mostly done out of desparation.
Another thing which strikes me about the first, in case I didn't say this, is that John wants someone else to handle the situation, and only acts when he feels he has to, so engaging in combat against armed gunmen is not a pleasant experience for him like watching it is for the audience. He is not a juggernaut. He is a human fucking being. He actually gets injured in the fray, he actually has feelings, he actually gives a shit.
As for Hans, the man is a chilling portrayal of a glib and superficially charming psychopath. He does not care what anyone thinks of him as long as he can profit off of the results, and the scariest thing about him is that while his actions make him, doubtlessly, a truly ruthless individual, he still has enough charm that you almost forget how ruthless he is.
I read the second draft of the original script online, and I must say, while that version of Hans was more blatantly vicious, this version, in a way, is much scarier.
I also read the first draft, and Hans was even more vicious in that one, but cannot compare to the film version.
It's nice seeing two genuinely clever individuals face off. It's almost like a game of chess, only much more suspenseful.
This film had heart that a lot of films lack.
Overall, it has the right combination of pathos, banter and excitement I want in an action film, and I don't think I will ever get sick of watching it.