Bruce Willis' Favorite Die Hard Scene Is Not What You Would Expect And Explains Why The Movie Is So Good (2024)

Bruce Willis has named his favorite scene from Die 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 for the best Die Hard scene would 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 in Die 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 of Die Hard’s quotable one-liners or 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 what makes Die Hard not 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 with Entertainment Weekly, Willis was asked to name his favorite scene from Die Hard. He didn’t mention the rooftop explosion or the climactic showdown; Willis’ favorite moment from Die Hard is 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 makes Die Hard such 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 in Die Hard, but what 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. But the presence of Gruber and co. adds life-or-death stakes to that reconciliation storyline.

Willis’ favorite scene from Die Hard, in which McClane 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 a Die Hard than 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.

Source: Entertainment Weekly

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Die Hard

R

During a holiday party, NYPD detective John McClane's wife's workplace is hijacked by German terrorists led by evil icon Hans Gruber. McClane (Bruce Willis), evades capture and fights to save hostages, including his wife, and foil Gruber's elaborate heist initially without weapons, shoes, or a shirt.

Director

John McTiernan

Writers

Roderick Thorp , Jeb Stuart , Steven E. de Souza

Cast

Bruce Willis , Bonnie Bedelia , Reginald VelJohnson , Paul Gleason , William Atherton , Hart Bochner

Runtime

132 minutes