Er ist für alle die letzte Chance.
Eigentlich möchte der New Yorker Polizist John McClane dieses Weihnachten nur seine Noch-Ehefrau Holly, welche in Los Angeles in einer großen, erfolgreichen Firma Karriere gemacht hat, besuchen und das Fest mit den beiden gemeinsamen Kinder verbringen. Als die Feierlichkeiten im Nakatomi Plaza beginnen sollen, stürmt eine Gruppe von Terroristen das Hochhaus und nur John McClane schafft es ihnen zu entwischen. Lediglich bewaffnet mit ein paar Zigaretten und einem Walkie-Talkie, wodurch er den Funk der Geiselnehmer mithören kann, und mit Waffen, welche die Terroristen gelegentlich so rumliegen lassen, muss John nun nicht nur sein eigenes Leben retten, sondern möglichst auch das aller anderen Beteiligten. Und so beschließt er, die äußerst brutale Truppe auszumerzen und sich einen Terroristen nach dem anderen vorzuknöpfen. Während draußen dann schon die Polizei und das FBI stümperhaft versucht, das Gebäude zu stürmen, kämpft McClane ohne Schuhe gegen die 12 Aggressoren...
Gesamte Besetzung von Stirb langsam
Bruce Willis
John McClane
Bruce Willis delivered an iconic performance as John McClane in the 1988 action thriller 'Die Hard,' which catapulted him to international stardom. As McClane, a New York City police detective, Willis brought a unique blend of toughness, vulnerability, and sarcastic wit to the role, creating a character that was both relatable and larger than life. His portrayal of McClane as a resourceful everyman thrust into a harrowing situation—battling a group of highly skilled terrorists in a Los Angeles skyscraper—showcased his physical prowess and charisma. Willis's performance was marked by an undercurrent of raw authenticity, as he navigated the treacherous Nakatomi Plaza with nothing but his wits, tenacity, and a dwindling supply of ammunition. His interactions with the villainous Hans Gruber, played by Alan Rickman, are particularly memorable, highlighting Willis's ability to hold his own against a formidable antagonist. Bruce Willis's John McClane became the archetype of the modern action hero, and his performance in 'Die Hard' remains a touchstone in the genre, celebrated for its grit, humor, and sheer entertainment value.
Alan Rickman
Hans Gruber
Alan Rickman's portrayal of Hans Gruber in the 1988 action classic "Die Hard" is a masterclass in villainy, setting a high bar for antagonists in the genre. Rickman brings a chilling sophistication and an icy charisma to the role, crafting a character that is both menacing and oddly charming. His Gruber is calculated and intelligent, a criminal mastermind whose cool demeanor and sharp wit stand in stark contrast to the raw, desperate energy of Bruce Willis's John McClane. Rickman's performance is notable for its nuance; he imbues Gruber with a distinctive, clipped German-accented voice that became iconic, and his ability to convey threat with a mere glance or a subtle change in tone is remarkable. His chemistry with the rest of the cast, particularly Willis, elevates every scene they share, creating a dynamic interplay that keeps the audience engrossed. Rickman's Gruber is not just a memorable movie villain; he is the standard by which all others are measured, a testament to the actor's incredible talent and the enduring legacy of his work in "Die Hard."
