RETRO | How 'Die Hard' stood the test of time

A New York City policeman, John McClane (Bruce Willis) visits his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) and two daughters on Christmas Eve. Joining her at a holiday party in the headquarters of the Japanese-owned business she works for, the festivities are interrupted by a group of terrorists who take over the exclusive high-rise, and everyone in it. Very soon, McClane realises that there's no-one to save the hostages - except him.

'Die Hard' (1988) was the movie that put Willis on the 'action movie map', with awesome special effects considered great at the time of the film's release, as well great one-liners that are still quoted today ("Yippee-ki-yay, motherf**ker" - arguably the best line in action film history).

The outstanding gun fight scenes as well as the important camera techniques such as low angle shots placing Hans and his group in a position of power gave viewers an exciting, compelling and easy-to-follow action film to relish for years to come.

Alan Rickman was the perfect terrorist leader, Han Gruber. He created a smart villain who could also pull off the suited look as always kept a step ahead of everyone - besides McClane, of course.

Willis was the best casting for the protagonist role in 'Die Hard', with his clever quips, attitude and confidence to achieve the impossible. Could another actor have earned McClane the same reverance and valour as Willis? We think not.