Why I believe Die Hard is one of the 10 best films I've seen

Rating: 10/10 (18 September 2000)

Action films (like comedies) are usually dismissed from serious consideration. Die Hard has questionable lineage coming from Silver/Gordon school of anything for a thrill. But, every once in a while a project will go beyond its humble beginnings. John McTiernan makes the difference. So much is accomplished in its 131 minutes. I have watched it many times and I don't believe that there is a wasted frame of film. Action films are usually long on action and short on characterization. But, Die Hard connects you with all the characters. Our hero and heroine are important but the villains, this is where Die Hard shines. And not just the bad guy but a host of bad guys with relationships (vengeance for a bother slain) and the Asian terrorist who while waiting to blow away the good guys gives pause before deciding to steal a candy bar. Hans Gruber is fascinating as played by Alan Rickman. Action sequences fail so often in trading off excitement for communication. Not in Die Hard. McTiernan knows how to show action. The editing is superb. I have a list of 10 films that if I could only take 10 to a desert island for the rest of my life these would be the 10, and Die Hard makes my list.