Frequently copied, never equalled: “Die Hard” is one of the most influential action films of all time – and in the eyes of the FILMSTARTS editors, the second best representative of its genre. On Disney Plus, of all places, you can stream it – unabridged!
He made Bruce Willis one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. He causes heated discussions every year about whether or not he is a Christmas movie. And it has been copied countless times: “Die Hard” is a classic of action cinema. And what a classic it is! Because in the official FILMSTARTS ranking of the best action films of all time, John McTiernan’s influential blockbuster secured second place.
But regardless of whether you would award “Die Hard” the action cinema silver medal yourself, even hand it gold, or relegate it lower in the rankings: one thing is clear. “Die Hard” has its evergreen status not least because of its high rewatch factor – the battle of fine-rib vest lone wolves against robbers masquerading as terrorists is simply fun again and again.
On TV, however, the action classic often flickers across the screens in abridged form because the broadcasters want to show it in prime time at 8.15 pm. The film has an FSK rating from the age of 16, which is why it could only be shown uncut on free TV from 10 pm without special permission. Therefore, you can stream “Die Hard” uncut at any time on Disney+.
We may take it for granted by now that “Die Hard” is available in full length without much trouble. But what is often forgotten is that this action film milestone debuted in Germany heavily edited, as the FSK gave the complete version an 18+ release, but the distributor considered a 16+ exploitation more profitable.
Die Hard” was also cut for release from 16 years on video cassettes, as well as on early DVD editions. It was not until 2002 that the film was released uncut from 16 years of age.
“DIE HARD”: THIS IS WHAT THE ACTION CLASSIC IS ABOUT
“Die Hard” centres on New York cop John McClane (Bruce Willis), who travels to Los Angeles for Christmas. His children and his still-wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia), who works at Nakatomi Plaza, live there. In addition to John, some violent criminals also arrive there and take the entire staff hostage without further ado. Now the fed-up policeman has to prove himself as a one-man army against the gangsters and their cunning leader (Alan Rickman) if he ever wants to have a chance of a quiet celebration with his family again…
