Die Hard (1988) Review in 2025
Die Hard is an action-packed movie about a man who finds himself trapped in a skyscraper during a terrorist takeover.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
No, due to excessive violence and language.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for fans of action and adventure movies. It's a classic and holds up well even today. However, it's not suitable for younger viewers due to excessive violence and language.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie follows John McClane, a detective who travels to Los Angeles for his brother's wedding. However, things take a turn when a group of terrorists, led by Hans Gruber, take over the Nakatomi Plaza, where the wedding is being held. McClane must use his wits and skills to take down the terrorists and save the hostages.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a good mix of action and suspense. However, the plot is not particularly original, and some of the twists are predictable.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Bruce Willis delivering a standout performance as McClane. The supporting cast is also excellent, with Alan Rickman being a particular standout as Hans Gruber.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with McClane being a particularly memorable and relatable protagonist. The villains are also well-portrayed, with Hans Gruber being a standout performance.
direction9.00/10
The direction is top-notch, with McTiernan expertly balancing action and suspense. The pacing is well-handled, and the film's tension is expertly built and released.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a good use of lighting and camera angles to create a sense of tension and unease. However, some of the action sequences are a bit over-the-top and unrealistic.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Die Hard is a classic action movie with a great story, memorable characters, and excellent direction. The action sequences are well-choreographed and suspenseful, and the film's tension is expertly built and released.
Cons
The plot is not particularly original, and some of the twists are predictable. The film's pacing can be a bit slow at times, and some of the characters are underdeveloped.
Notable Quotes
"I'm gonna get you, you son of a bitch"
"Welcome to the party, pal"
"Yippee ki yi yay"
