Movies - Die Hard

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	Movies - Die Hard

Die Hard is a Hollywood action film released in 1988, written by Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Sousa, starring Bruce Willis, Bonnie Bedelia, Alan Rickman, William Atherton, and directed by John McTiernan. The film features Willis as a sympathetic hero with typical human weaknesses, unlike the Übermensch heroes exemplified by Arnold Schwarzenegger. A huge critical and commercial success, Die Hard propelled Willis' film career, giving him more credibility in action and dramatic roles, and helped Alan Rickman become a popular player of villains in American film.

The movie is based on a 1979 novel by Roderick Thorp titled Nothing Lasts Forever
, itself a sequel to the book The Detective, which was previously made into a 1968 movie starring Frank Sinatra. The film has spawned two sequels, Die Hard 2: Die Harder
(1990) and Die Hard with a Vengeance
(1995). The fourth film in the series, currently in production, is titled Die Hard 4.0
. A previous attempt at a fourth Die Hard eventually evolved into Tears of the Sun
.

The popularity and impact of Die Hard on the action genre has also led to the coining of the phrase "Die Hard on/in a...", often used when casually referring to action movies of a similar "one man versus the bad guys" plot typically placed largely within a large building and/or vehicle. For example, the films Under Siege
and Speed were both described by critics as "Die Hard on a boat" and "Die Hard on a bus", respectively.

Taglines:

"It will blow you through the back wall of the theater!"
"40 Stories Of Sheer Adventure!"
"High above the city of L.A. a team of terrorists has seized a building, taken hostages and declared war. One man has managed to escape. An off-duty cop hiding somewhere inside. He's alone, tired... and the only chance anyone has got."
"Twelve terrorists. One cop. The odds are against John McClane... That's just the way he likes it."
"He's the only chance anyone has got."
"It's Christmas Eve In L.A. and The Party Action's about to explode... On The Fortieth Floor!"
"Suspense, Excitement, Adventure, On every level!"
"40 Stories High - with Suspense, Excitement and Adventure on every level!"

Synopsis

The film opens with New York City police detective John McClane coming to Los Angeles to reunite with his estranged wife, played by Bonnie Bedelia, for the 1987 Christmas holidays. He is driven by the extremely talkative driver Argyle (De'voreaux White) to her place of work, a large office building called the Nakatomi Tower, in a company limousine. After dropping off John, Argyle takes the limo into the building's underground parking garage, to wait and see if his services will be further required.

A company Christmas party is taking place on the 30th floor of the building. After an initial meeting, which includes strained greetings with her boss (Joseph Takagi) and an oily colleague (Ellis), the couple have an argument over their separation and her decision to be addressed by her maiden name "Gennero." Holly rejoins the party while John stays in a room kicking himself for picking a fight with his wife.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Die Hard ]

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