Bruce Willis has named his favorite scene fromDie Hard, and it’s certainly an unconventional choice, but it also highlights what makes the movie such an enduring classic. There are plenty of great scenes to choose from. A common pick forthe bestDie Hardscenewould be when John McClane first says his classic catchphrase, “Yippee-ki-yay, motherf***er,” to Hans Gruber, or when McClane is shuffling through the air vents, making snide remarks to himself, or when McClane drops Gruber to his death in slow-motion.
There are a ton of thrilling action scenes inDie Hard, from the “Shoot the glass!” firefight to the explosion on the roof of Nakatomi Plaza. But when Willis was asked to name his favorite scene from his most iconic movie, he didn’t name any ofDie Hard’s quotable one-linersor explosive action sequences; he named one of the film’s more dramatic moments. It’s not the scene that most fans would pick, but it does showcase whatmakesDie Hardnot just a great action movie, but a great movie.
Willis' Favorite Scene From Die Hard Is McClane’s Heartfelt Farewell Message For Holly
McClane’s Goodbye To Holly Is One Of Die Hard’s Most Emotional Scenes
In an interview withEntertainment Weekly, Willis was asked to name his favorite scene fromDie Hard. He didn’t mention the rooftop explosion or the climactic showdown;Willis’ favorite moment fromDie Hardis when McClane radios Powell to give him a farewell message to tell his wife in case he doesn’t make it. Willis said they tried two takes: one where McClane gets choked up and one where he doesn’t, and everyone liked the tearful take best. This scene isn’t talked about much, but it demonstrates what makesDie Hardsuch a timeless gem.
Die Hard’s Underlying Emotional Story Made It A Timeless Classic
It’s Really A Movie About A Guy Trying To Reconcile With His Estranged Wife
There are a lot of cool action sequences inDie Hard, butwhat makes it so great and timeless is the underlying emotional story of a guy trying to make up with his estranged wife. If Gruber and his goons were removed from the film and it was just about McClane trying to reconcile his relationship with Holly, it would still be a compelling drama in its own right. Butthe presence of Gruber and co. adds life-or-death stakes to that reconciliation storyline.
Die Hard’s 10 Most Badass Moments
Die Hard is known for starring Bruce Willis and packing a wallop as an action movie. There are also 10 badass moments that fans shouldn’t forget.
Willis’ favorite scene fromDie Hard, in whichMcClane faces the possibility of never seeing Holly again and finally has the conversation he was avoiding, is the dramatic peak of that story. It’s become a jokey interpretation of the film that men would rather do aDie Hardthan go to therapy, but that’s really the core of the movie. McClane doesn’t want to confront his feelings or fess up to his mistakes, and in this scene, he finally does that.
Die Hard
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Die Hard follows NYPD officer John McClane as he attempts to rescue hostages, including his estranged wife, from terrorists who have overtaken a Los Angeles skyscraper. Released in 1988, this action film is noted for its central character’s resourcefulness and determination in overcoming overwhelming odds with limited assistance.
