Director: John McTiernan
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis and Jeremy Irons
‘A Captivating Classic’
Not many actors have achieved praise of Samuel L. Jackson. Ever since his rise to praise in the 1990’s, Jackson has become a beloved icon. Whether it is cruel gangsters, slave owners or political leaders, Jackson has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Jackson’s strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors that has always had a talent for stealing the show in supportive roles which have limited screen-time. Even if he isn’t the main focus of a movie, Jackson has always left a strong impression. An actor with commitment to his craft, Jackson has become a beloved icon in modern-day entertainment. Throughout a lasting career, Jackson has made several movies that are worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Jackson and adore all the films he has made in his career. However, “Die Hard with a Vengeance” is definitely his most underrated work. Released in 1995, John McTiernan’s movie offered a powerful portrait of cops facing adversity. Packed with breathtaking production, engrossing storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best cop movies ever made. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Samuel L. Jackson, who embodies a cop facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Die Hard With a Vengeance” a cops classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies in the Die Hard franchise, it tackles relatable themes everyone will relate to. A captivating sequel about cops, there’s several reasons why “Die Hard With a Vengeance” is a crime classic worth watching.
Following events of “Die Hard”, “Die Hard with a Vengeance” follows a life of a cop with vengeance. Bruce Willis plays John McClane, a conflicted cop that is stuck in situations causing pain. McClane has often succeeded in solving crimes in city without facing any adversity. However, McClane’s life forever changes when he’s faced with a new threat in a form of a terrorist. Assisted by newfound partner Zeus Carver (Samuel L. Jackson), McClane seeks to resolve the crimes in his city causing tension. As all the odds are soon stacked against his favour, McClane questions whether it’s possible to become a successful police officer. Faced with a high likelihood to die, McClane soon questions whether he can survive in a city causing barriers that terrify.
John McTiernan has often been fascinated with the lives of cops which endure tension. His iconic film “Die Hard” offered a powerful portrait of cops seeking to survive terrorism in cities facing destruction. With “Die Hard With a Vengeance”, however, the filmmaker made his first sequel. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt capturing the lives of cops that endure terrorism in a city but he succeeded. Using stunning cinematography, McTiernan captured a cop embarking on a journey to find his identity. Evoking the first “Die Hard”, McTiernan successfully uses montages to capture the tensions faced by cops living in a doomed city. For instance, the montages elevate the bomb prevention scene. During this unforgettable scene, McClane seeks to resolve a complicated bomb with assistance of his partner Zeus. Using strong montages, McTiernan created a portrait of cops which is compelling. Montages are tricky to use in films. As Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” suggested, montages elevate crime movies about gangsters. Nevertheless, it works well in this film. Using strong visuals, McTiernan captures the hardships that cops are often facing.
Another admirable aspect of “Die Hard with a Vengeance” that deserves appreciation is production. From a technical perspective, it is one of the best action movies ever made. Evoking Ridley Scott’s “Blade Runner”, the filmmaker effectively uses cross-cutting to create action sequences that are engaging. For instance, cross-cutting enhances the terrorism scene. During this unforgettable scene, McClane has intense confrontations with terrorists causing tension. Using cross-cutting, McTiernan crafts a portrait of cops that’s compelling. Furthermore, the musical score is superb. Michael Kamen’s music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie a tense atmosphere capturing heavy burden cops bear. Through bold production, McTiernan captures the lives of cops facing tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Die Hard with a Vengeance” is a film about cops that’s engaging. The film is beautifully written, and effectively uses monologues to capture the tensions faced by cops which seek vengeance. McTiernan’s strength as a screenwriter is his abilities to capture the lives of complicated cops through dramatic monologues. For instance, the monologues enhance the crime speeches scene. During this unforgettable scene, McClane delivers a rousing speech about his tense profession. Dramatic monologues are tricky to use. As Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” did prove clearly, monologues elevate movies about slavery. Nevertheless, it word well in this movie. Through a fantastic screenplay, McTiernan captures the lives of cops facing a price to pay
One appreciates amazing performances.
Samuel L. Jackson delivers one of his best career performances as Zeus. Jackson first earned appreciation for playing gangsters facing hardships in crime dramas. With “Die Hard With a Vengeance”, however, he took upon his most complex role. It isn’t easy to embody a cop seeking to rescue a doomed city experiencing tragedy but he succeeded tremendously. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charismatic and emotional in his most memorable role. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, grief and resentments of a cop that faces tensions. It’s a powerful performance by one of the finest actors currently working in Hollywood today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Samuel L. Jackson, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Bruce Willis is brilliant, capturing anguish of a cop seeking to save doomed cities where lives vanish. Jeremy Irons is incredible, and brings an air of menace to a terrorist that has plans to destroy a doomed city facing destructions. Lastly, Graham Greene merits appreciation. As a Native American cop, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “Die Hard with a Vengeance” would earn the appreciation of everyone capturing cops with vengeance. Unlike most cop films, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It discusses bold themes including angst, mental health and trauma that will resonate with everyone. It delivers a strong message about vengeance that would resonate with everyone. Consequently, “Die Hard With a Vengeance” is one of those rare cops films everyone will adore.
Fans of Samuel L. Jackson will absolutely enjoy “Die Hard With a Vengeance” and so would movie-goers seeking engrossing entertainment. A spectacular sequel, it honours an actor that’s special.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking crime film about cops with vengeance, it’s a riveting reminder about a commemorated actor with a larger than life presence that has made unforgettable films throughout his career which have attracted a huge audience.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 