As someone who grew up in a household where the traditional Christmas movies were the only ones allowed during the holiday season, I have always found it peculiar that a gritty action movie like Die Hard could even be considered festive. My first viewing of this film was a shock to my system – Bruce Willis wasn’t jolly or singing carols, and Hans Gruber certainly didn’t bring any yuletide cheer.
As Christmas nears, it’s high time to tune into heartwarming Christmas movies broadcasted on TV and streaming platforms. Yet, if you’re among those who argue that the action-packed movie “Die Hard” deserves a spot on this list, the lively discussion around its holiday status definitely sparks laughter and emotion within me.
Die Hard isn’t necessarily in your face about its Christmas themes the way classics like the Home Alone movies or Elf are. However, some argue that the action flick technically does follow the holiday-themed genre because of its use of holiday songs, the theme of reconnecting with loved ones, and the obvious fact that it’s set during Christmas. As a true non-believer that Die Hard is not a Christmas movie, a funny Instagram holiday post about those on the other side of the debate really has me in my feels:
A post shared by Nakatomi Corporation (@nakatomicorporation)
A photo posted by on
This post from @nakatomicorporation on social media made me chuckle heartily. It claims that Die Hard is everyone’s favorite Christmas movie in the entire country, a statistic I find questionable at best. But it’s amusing to use this supposed data to poke fun at those who argue about whether or not Die Hard is a true Christmas film.
The debate about Die Hard falling into the holiday movie genre spans through numerous surveys and famed actors chiming in. Back in 2015, Public Policy Polling asked users what their opinion was with 62% saying it wasn’t a holiday movie, 25% not sure, and 13% saying yes. Three years later, the majority also ruled on the matter with a new poll by Morning Consult/Hollywood Reporter saying the 1988 action flick wasn’t a Christmas movie. But it looks like even if the recorded majority are in favor of Die Hard not belonging among the holiday flicks, I have a feeling this cultural debate will forever be ongoing.
Regarding the sentiments of the cast members from the film “Die Hard”, Bruce Willis definitively declared in his 2018 Comedy Central roast that “Die Hard” is not a Christmas movie. On the other hand, Reginald VelJohnson, one of the original stars, considers it a holiday movie due to its consistent annual airings around Christmas and the numerous fans who view it as such. Director John McTiernan, however, offered a more balanced perspective on the Christmas movie debate, stating that while the film wasn’t initially meant to be a holiday production, ultimately it’s up to the audience to decide its classification.
Despite finding myself emotionally touched by the notion that Die Hard is considered the preferred Christmas movie across all 50 states, I must humbly express my differing perspective. To me, Die Hard portrays Bruce Willis’ John McClane as having an unusual, matter-of-fact Christmas experience, where he finds himself rescuing hostages in a Los Angeles skyscraper that just so happens to be under siege on this joyful day. However, if it brings festive cheer and action to countless others, I am more than happy to let the majority have their preference. If you’re planning to add Die Hard to your Christmas movie marathon on Hulu or Amazon Prime, I wish you a very Happy Holidays!
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2024-12-20 23:37