Is Die Hard a Christmas Movie?

[BlazeOrange]

Saw this thread on another board and it generated spirited discussion, so I thought I'd try it out here. The movie contains many Christmas references, songs, images, and takes place during a Christmas party. The movie also addresses several traditional Christmas themes, such as family, redemption, goodness, sacrifice, friendship, salvation, humanity, and the evils of commericialism and greed. On the other hand, you have guns, blood, murder, and explosions.

What do you think? I'd suggest letting a few people respond with their rationales before voting in case you change your mind.

 

[jekelish]

It takes place at a Christmas party. There is Christmas music. Hans Gruber actually says "it's Christmas, Theo. It's the season of miracles." John McClane says (writes) "Ho-ho-ho" and puts a Santa hat on a dead terrorist.

It's absolutely a Christmas movie.

And don't tell me blood and violence can't take place on Christmas. That's when Washington crossed the Delaware, after all.

 

[donniesyracuse]

Certainly everyone will have their own definition of a "Christmas Movie." My definition might include a stipulation that its a film I watch exclusively during the holiday season. For example, I never watch A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and A Christmas Carol outside of the Christmas season. I can't speak for Die Hard because I wouldn't voluntarily watch it again at any time during the year.

 

[OttoinGrotto]

If it's not a Christmas movie I don't know what is.

 

[mountaincuse]

Certainly everyone will have their own definition of a "Christmas Movie." My definition might include a stipulation that its a film I watch exclusively during the holiday season. For example, I never watch A Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer, and A Christmas Carol outside of the Christmas season. I can't speak for Die Hard because I wouldn't voluntarily watch it again at any time during the year.

Christmas Vacation can be watched more than just at Christmas - it's the gift that keeps on giving the whole year 'round...

 

[donniesyracuse]

Christmas Vacation can be watched more than just at Christmas - it's the gift that keeps on giving the whole year 'round...

True, I try to save the pleasure for Christmas.

 

[BlazeOrange]

McClane did whatever it took to spend Christmas with his family, a common X-mas movie theme.

He made a "Naughty List" of terrorists names on his arm.

Crawling through ductwork ~ climbing down chimneys.

He was barefoot, just like kids whose stockings are hung by the chimney with care.

Like Burger Meister Meister Burger, Hans was a German who ruined X-mas for many people under his control.
And of course, the outfits:

 

[Ghost]

Two words:

F*** YEAH!

 

[Whitey23]

This thread cracks me up. I dvr'd DH2 on 12/8 because i wanted to watch it between meals on Xmas. So for me it's a yes.