‘Die Hard’ Director Puts to Rest the Debate- It IS a X-Mas Movie

It's that time of year! While decking the halls with boughs of holly many enjoy watching the Christmas classic Die Hard.

What's that? Die Hard isn't a Christmas movie?

Why, yes it is silly!

Despite what star Bruce Willis may say- it most definitely is a Christmas movie, and now, director John McTiernan has come out to put the debate to rest: Die Hard IS a Christmas movie!

In a 12 minute video for the American Film Institute's YouTube channel, McTiernan goes on to explain, in particular sequences, how Die Hard ended up becoming a holiday movie.

He explains the connections between It's a Wonderful Life and how John McLaine was set to be an ordinary, everyday man. Check out the video below and see how much you agree with the director.

To me, it wasn't hard to establish that Die Hard was a Christmas movie. The movie doesn't let you forget it's Christmas eve; the soundtrack, the company Christmas party that his wife attends at Nakatomi Plaza. Also, his wife's name is HOLLY. HOLLY! As in "Christmas Holly".

Of course, there is a case to be made as to why it's not a Christmas movie. Just because a movie is set around Christmas time doesn't necessarily mean it's a Christmas movie. As "How to Geek" points out:

Could Die Hard take place on, say, Independence Day, Halloween, or just a random Tuesday? Of course, it could. The holiday has no bearing on the actual story. Hans Gruber and his cohorts aren’t attacking Nakatomi Plaza because it’s Christmas. Even John’s visit is more about reconnecting with his wife and children than any specific holiday tradition.

However, as director McTiernan points out- as the years have gone by, the classic action flick has turned into a holiday classic- it's not Christmas time at my house until we see it! McTiernan does point out that Die Hard certainly didn't set out to be a holiday movie:

"We hadn't intended it to be a Christmas movie, but the joy that came from it is what turned it into a Christmas movie"

 

I couldn't agree more. If you're looking to debate other movies that aren't considered Christmas movies- check out this list I created and see if you agree with them!