Die Hard is one of the best action movies ever made, but despite this, it really isn't an action film at all; it's a Christmas drama. This can be seen best through two aspects in the film: McClane's fate worse than death, which is straight out of a drama, and the action affecting McClane just like Christmas stories do.

Movies Under The Surface is a series of video essays that explores what makes great films great. The videos are about understanding movies at a deeper level, beneath plot and story, at their heart.

Support us on Patreon:

https://www.patreon.com/moviesunderthesurface

Footage from:

Die Hard (1988), Dir. John McTiernan

Warrior (2011), Dir. Gavin O’Connor

The Matrix (1999), Dir. The Wachowskis

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Dir. Steven Spielberg

The Terminator (1984), Dir. James Cameron

Taken (2008), Dir. Pierre Morel

Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962), Dir. Abe Levitow

It's A Wonderful Life (1946), Dir. Frank Capra

Home Alone (1990), Dir. Chris Colombus

The Santa Clause (1994), Dir. John Pasquin

Music from:

Ode To Joy - Beethoven, Performed by Michael Kamen

Die Hard Soundtrack - Michael Kamen

Christmas in Hollis - Run DMC

Let It Snow - Vaughn Monroe

For educational purposes only.

You can also follow us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/moviesunderthesurface