Die Hard (1988)

NYPD cop John McClane’s (Bruce Willis) plan to reconcile with his estranged wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia), is thrown for a serious loop when minutes after he arrives at her office, the entire building is overtaken by a group of pitiless terrorists. With little help from the LAPD, wisecracking McClane sets out to single-handedly rescue the hostages and bring the bad guys down.

Netflix, IMDB

Director: John McTiernan
STC Genre: Dude with a Problem (Law Enforcement)

  • “Innocent Hero” – John McClane
  • “Sudden Event” – the terrorists
  • “Life or Death Battle” – quite literal

Really well made movie, a classic of its genre. Great structure, elaborate yet engaging setup, and every single detail has been used towards the end. BTW, what do you think is the B Story? It’s the black cop on the ground! Of course, John and his wife is yet another sub-story, but we learn next to nothing about them, while the cop  resolves one of his problems, and thus transforms.

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