Staff Reports
In the festive season, twinkling lights, gingerbread cookies, and the sounds of holiday cheer fill the air. However, amidst all the jolly vibes, one question repeatedly sparks fierce debates: Is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie? The film, released in 1988, features Bruce Willis as John McClane, a New York cop battling terrorists in a Los Angeles skyscraper during a Christmas party. Some see it as the ultimate Christmas action flick, while others shake their heads in vehement disagreement. Let’s unwrap this holiday conundrum.
Many fans believe that “Die Hard” should proudly wear the Christmas movie title. For starters, the movie is set during the holiday season. The festive decorations splashed throughout Nakatomi Plaza can’t be ignored. There are Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and a holiday office party that sets the stage for all the action. It’s no coincidence that McClane’s mission unfolds beneath the glow of holiday spirit. Proponents argue that the presence of Christmas elements throughout the film is strong enough to earn “Die Hard” a permanent spot on their holiday movie marathon list.
On the flip side, there are those who adamantly insist that “Die Hard” is as much a Christmas movie as a snowstorm in July. These skeptics often point to the absence of traditional holiday themes, such as family reunions or heartwarming messages of goodwill. How can an action-packed thriller, filled with high-stakes confrontations and explosions, possibly be categorized alongside feel-good films like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Home Alone”? They believe that simply featuring Christmas in the background doesn’t quite cut it for a film to be classified as a holiday classic.
The conversation doesn’t just center around what is seen on-screen, but also what Christmas means to different people. Joy takes on many forms, and for some, it may come in the form of explosive action and witty one-liners. That’s right! For many fans, joy is grabbing some popcorn, gathering friends, and cheering on McClane as he takes on the bad guys while shouting “Ho-Ho-Ho!” It’s about the unique experiences each viewer derives from the movie and how each individual celebrates the season.
This debate might never reach a resolution. After all, joy, like the view from Nakatomi Plaza, can be subjective. Whether it’s the heartwarming mirth of Buddy the Elf or the explosive thrills of John McClane, the holiday season is filled with diverse perspectives on what makes a Christmas movie. On this matter, perhaps the best solution is to give a big cheer for all kinds of holiday entertainment—whether it involves candy canes or high-octane action.
So, while some may argue about whether a true Christmas film must include feelings of love and togetherness, others can happily pop “Die Hard” into their rotation, carving out a special niche as a unique holiday tradition. After all, no matter how one finds joy during the festive season, there’s no denying that both traditions and opinions are important. And perhaps this is the real message that shines through this Christmas—you can cherish what you love while also respectfully disagreeing with the choices of others.
