Pure Joy

Rating: 9/10 (18 September 2016)

This might not be my favorite movie in terms of how seamless a story it tells, but it's the easiest to watch over and over. I never expected a movie with so much gunfire, coarse language and blood to be this smart or scintillating. The screenplay combined with everyone's line delivery possesses the same bust-a-gut insanity of Showgirls, except Die Hard is funny on purpose. I have to restrain myself from quoting this at everyone I encounter (so this movie is to me now what Invader Zim was when I was twelve. But I digress.)
I blush to add this, but it's hard to articulate why I love Die Hard so much without bringing up Hans Gruber. He is a fascinating contrast with the more lowbrow masculinity of the hero. Hans demonstrates both book-learning and investment in his appearance, which more men should possess but is sadly unnecessary for men to succeed in this culture. John becomes filthier and more battered with time, but Hans remains neat and tidy. It seems like a populist indictment of the liberal arts-educated snobs of the world who know more about art and style and can quote obscure Classical literature but lack marketable skills. Now, that's not fair, because Hans committing cold-blooded murder doesn't subtract from his charm. Remember this exchange?
Blond guy whose name I forget: There are rules for policemen. John (pointing a gun at him): That's what my captain keeps telling me.
Doesn't hold up, does it? To be fair, John isn't as unreasonable as he came off to me initially. Not only does he relent vis-a-vis Holly, he didn't really mean to let Hans die. But I know which of them I'd pick if I were Holly. That reminds me, I should say something about the other characters. They're hilarious. Holly deserves special mention, as she appears to think like real women do, unlike the majority of Hollywood's female characters.
So, yes, this movie deserves its reputation and then some. HANS GRUBER LIVES!