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The debate over whether or not “Die Hard” qualifies as a Christmas movie has become a cultural staple each holiday season. Released in 1988, directed by John McTiernan and starring Bruce Willis as the iconic John McClane, “Die Hard” has transcended its action-thriller genre to become a central figure in the festive film discussions. But does it genuinely belong in the pantheon of Christmas movies?
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The Setting and Plot
“Die Hard” unfolds during the Christmas season, specifically on Christmas Eve. The film begins with New York City police detective John McClane arriving in Los Angeles to reconcile with his estranged wife, Holly, at her company’s Christmas party. The festive setting is unmistakable from the outset, with decorations, carols, and the general holiday cheer permeating the Nakatomi Plaza. However, the plot quickly veers into high-octane action when German terrorist Hans Gruber and his crew take over the building, aiming to steal $640 million in bearer bonds from the company’s vault.
Despite the violent turn of events, elements of Christmas are woven throughout the narrative. McClane’s barefoot trek across broken glass, his makeshift Santa hat fashioned from a dead terrorist’s attire, and the poignant moment where he finds the bodies of the party’s host and his wife, which prompts him to write “Now I have a machine gun. Ho Ho Ho.” on the deceased man’s shirt, all serve as dark, humorous homages to the season.
Themes of Redemption and Family
At its core, “Die Hard” mirrors many Christmas movie themes, particularly those of redemption and the value of family. John McClane’s journey through Nakatomi Plaza is not just about saving lives but also about personal redemption. He’s there to win back his wife, Holly, whose last name change to “Gennaro” symbolizes her independence from him. By the end of the film, McClane’s actions not only save the day but also mend his family, with Holly reclaiming her married name, signifying a reconciliation.
This storyline of reuniting with loved ones during Christmas echoes in classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “A Christmas Carol,” where characters learn the importance of family and personal redemption over material or superficial gains. McClane’s battle, therefore, isn’t just against terrorists but against his personal demons, making his struggle a metaphorical journey back to his roots — a journey many Christmas narratives celebrate.
The Cultural Impact and Annual Debate
The argument for “Die Hard” as a Christmas movie often hinges on its setting and thematic elements. However, it’s also about cultural acknowledgment. Over the years, “Die Hard” has been increasingly included in holiday movie marathons on television, with networks like AMC branding it as part of their Christmas programming. The film’s inclusion in such lineups alongside traditional holiday films like “A Christmas Story” or “Miracle on 34th Street” has bolstered its claim to the title.
Moreover, the debate itself has become a holiday ritual, spawning memes, articles, and even public polls. This annual discussion not only keeps the film relevant but also invites a broader conversation about what defines a Christmas movie. Is it merely the presence of holiday iconography, or does it delve deeper into the essence of what Christmas represents in film?
Christmas Tropes and Iconography
“Die Hard” employs several Christmas tropes that traditional holiday films use. There’s the presence of Santa Claus, albeit in a dark twist with McClane’s “Ho Ho Ho” message. Christmas carols play a pivotal role, especially with “Ode to Joy” morphing into Beethoven’s 9th during a tense standoff. The snowy, cold exterior of Nakatomi Plaza juxtaposed with the warm, festive interior before the chaos ensues, all contribute to a Christmas atmosphere.
Additionally, there’s the subplot of the Limousine driver, Argyle, who plays a role akin to a guardian angel, waiting patiently in his car, listening to Christmas tunes, and ultimately helping McClane escape. This character provides comic relief and adds another layer of holiday spirit to the film.
Opposition to the Classification
On the flip side, opponents argue that “Die Hard” lacks the warmth and feel-good factor intrinsic to most Christmas films. The film’s heavy reliance on action, violence, and its R-rating for language and gore, might not align with the family-friendly image many associate with holiday viewing. Critics point out that while the setting is Christmas, the story could theoretically occur at any time of the year without significant alteration to the plot, except for the decorations.
Furthermore, some argue that the narrative doesn’t center around Christmas; it’s merely a backdrop for the primary action story. The holiday elements are coincidental rather than integral to the plot’s development or resolution. This perspective insists that to earn the label of a Christmas movie, the story’s heart should beat with Christmas spirit, not just its setting.
Summary
In conclusion, “Die Hard” presents a unique case in the Christmas movie canon. It undeniably takes place during Christmas, with all the trimmings that come with it, and it touches on themes of redemption and family reconciliation that are central to the holiday season’s narrative. However, its classification as a Christmas movie might also be seen through the lens of cultural adoption and the evolving definition of what constitutes holiday viewing.
Whether or not “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie might not have a definitive answer, and that’s perhaps what makes the debate so engaging. It challenges viewers to reconsider what they expect from Christmas films, blending genres in a way that’s both subversive and, for many, celebratory. As each year passes, “Die Hard” continues to ignite discussions, laughter, and perhaps even a few “Yippee Ki Yay” moments, ensuring its place, one way or another, in the holiday movie lexicon.
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