'The whole family can enjoy': Internet agrees with historian who calls 'Die Hard' a Christmas movie
NEW YORK CITY: The debate over whether the 1988 action film 'Die Hard' should be considered a Christmas movie has raged for years amongst film buffs. However, CNN's Jake Tapper recently settled the argument once and for all by talking to film expert and historian Jeremy Arnold, author of the book 'Christmas in the Movies', as per TMZ.
Jeremy Arnold argues 'Die Hard' begins 'as the most common type of Christmas movie'
According to Arnold, much of the debate stems from differing definitions of what constitutes a Christmas movie. As he stated, "Well, first of all, when people say 'Die Hard' is not a Christmas movie and the other side must be insane for thinking it is, what that dispute is really about is definition. Both sides are defining the term Christmas movie very differently."
What elements establish 'Die Hard' as a Christmas movie by Arnold’s criteria? “It begins as the most common type of Christmas movie, which is some version of a dysfunctional or estranged family trying to reconcile on Christmas,” he analyzed. “In this case, John and Holly McClane."
Arnold also noted that "there are references to Christmas all throughout the movie and the dialog and the visuals on the soundtrack. Sound Effects. Christmas."
Major key plot points in 'Die Hard' hinge directly on Christmas theme
While admitting the basic plot could still work if set during another time of year, Arnold argues that the Christmas setting "enhances all these emotions and rituals that we recognize as linked to the season and intensifies them." He went on to say that Christmas has a way of heightening both joy and despair, as seen in holiday classics like 'It's a Wonderful Life'.
By placing John McClane's fight to save his wife and the other hostages from terrorists against the backdrop of a family Christmas party, the film becomes much more emotionally resonant.
Additionally, key plot points hinge directly on Christmas, like John using holiday gift wrapping tape and ribbons to fashion weapons, as noted by Tapper. This helps ground the over-the-top action firmly within the language of Christmas miracles and cheer.
In Arnold's scholarly opinion, therefore, there should no longer be any debate - 'Die Hard' has more than earned its status as a beloved Christmas action movie. As Tapper said, "it could not have happened, this miracle...any other holiday."
Internet agrees with Jeremy Arnold's classification of 'Die Hard' as a Christmas film
The online world resonated with resounding agreement upon witnessing the CNN discussion. Social media platforms lit up with users echoing Arnold's perspective. Comments flooded in, affirming the movie's rightful classification as a Christmas classic.
One Facebook user emphasized, "Something the whole family can enjoy," while another user asserted firmly, "Absolutely a Christmas movie."
A third user voiced exasperation, asking, "Why is there still a question? Of course, it's a Christmas movie!!" Another chimed in succinctly, "Yes Yes Yes."
The fifth user remarked, "debates every year.... it is a Christmas movie."
Cutting through the ambiguity, a sixth user emphatically declared, "Die Hard is a Christmas movie!!!!!! If the plot takes place around Christmas, it's a Christmas movie!!!!"
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
