As we deck the halls and jingle the bells, there’s one debate that continues to light up our festive discussions as much as a brightly lit Christmas tree: Is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie? This action-packed film, featuring Bruce Willis as the tough, wise-cracking NYPD officer John McClane, has been at the centre of a Yuletide controversy for years.
Vocabulary
- Yuletide (adj.) [ˈjuːltaɪd] – Relating to the Christmas season.
- Example: The Yuletide decorations made the city look festive and bright.
- NYPD (n.) [ɛn waɪ piː diː] – Acronym for New York Police Department.
- Example: He dreamed of becoming an NYPD officer since he was a child.
- Estranged (adj.) [ɪˈstreɪndʒd] – (of a person) no longer close or affectionate to someone; alienated.
- Example: After years of dispute, she remained estranged from her family.
- Backdrop (n.) [ˈbæk.drɒp] – The setting or background for a scene, event, or situation.
- Example: The mountains provided a stunning backdrop for their wedding photos.
- Integral (adj.) [ˈɪntɪɡrəl] – Necessary to make a whole complete; essential.
- Example: Regular exercise is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle.
- Reconcile (v.) [ˈrek.ən.saɪl] – Restore friendly relations between; settle a disagreement.
- Example: The two friends reconciled after understanding each other’s perspectives.
- Skeptic (n.) [ˈskep.tɪk] – A person inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions.
- Example: As a skeptic, he always questioned the scientific evidence before accepting it.
- Coincidental (adj.) [ˌkoʊ.ɪn.sɪˈden.təl] – Happening by chance or coincidence.
- Example: Meeting her old friend in a foreign country was purely coincidental.
- Perennial (adj.) [pəˈren.i.əl] – Lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring.
- Example: The perennial popularity of Shakespeare’s works is a testament to their timeless nature.
- Purist (n.) [ˈpjʊə.rɪst] – A person who insists on absolute adherence to traditional rules or structures, especially in language or style.
- Example: As a language purist, he refused to use slang in his writing.
The Christmas Case: Those who argue in favor of “Die Hard” being a Christmas movie point out the obvious: the movie is set during a Christmas party. The film’s festive backdrop isn’t just decorative; it’s integral to the plot. McClane is in Los Angeles precisely because of the holiday season, aiming to reconcile with his estranged wife at her company’s Christmas party. Christmas music, like Vaughn Monroe’s “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”, plays a notable role in the soundtrack, adding to the Christmassy feel. Plus, the sprinkling of Christmas references and decorations throughout Nakatomi Plaza cannot be ignored.
The Action Argument: On the other side of the debate, skeptics argue that “Die Hard” is, first and foremost, an action film. The primary focus is on McClane’s battle against the terrorists led by Hans Gruber, played by Alan Rickman. The Christmas setting, they argue, is merely coincidental and does not fundamentally change the nature of the movie from an action thriller to a Christmas classic. The lack of traditional holiday themes like the spirit of giving, family reconciliation, and, of course, Santa Claus, further fuels their argument.
Cultural Impact: Regardless of where you stand in this debate, there’s no denying the cultural impact of “Die Hard.” It has become a holiday tradition for many, watched alongside more conventional Christmas movies. Its inclusion in holiday movie marathons and the perennial nature of this debate only add to its Christmas credentials.
What do you think? Does “Die Hard” make it onto your list of Christmas movies, or does it fall strictly into the action category for you? Share your thoughts and let’s keep this festive debate going! You can also test yourself with the quiz below.
#1. What does ‘Yuletide’ refer to?
#2. What is the main focus of ‘Die Hard’?
#3. What does NYPD stand for?
#4. Which of these is a sign of being a ‘purist’?
#5. What does ‘integral’ mean?
#6. Is ‘Die Hard’ set during a Christmas party?
#7. In which city is ‘Die Hard’ set?
#8. What is the main argument against ‘Die Hard’ being a Christmas movie?
#9. What does ‘estranged’ mean in the context of the post?
#10. What does ‘perennial’ mean?
Results
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