Die Hard

It's been a long, grueling year for John McClane, an NYPD cop from New York. He's struggling to keep his job stable, reconcile with his estranged wife, and somehow find time for their failing relationship. Trying to win back his wife's affection, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia), McClane decides to fly from New York to Los Angeles to join her at the annual Nakatomi Corporation Christmas party. Holly is the company's CEO, and McClane's presence is intended to be a symbol of his commitment to their relationship. However, things take an unexpected turn the moment McClane steps off the elevator. As people start mingling, Holly is greeting guests and trying to fit in, whereas McClane keeps to himself, anxious to catch up with his wife in a private moment. Meanwhile, across the room, a group of professional terrorists, led by the cunning Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman), begin to execute their deadly plan. The building falls into chaos when Hans starts shouting, and almost immediately, he begins taking control of the vents and announcing by intercom that the building has been taken over by the terrorists. Intrigued, Hans takes a special interest in Nakatomi's resources, particularly its vast stash of bearer bonds. Although McClane initially assumes this is just a routine takeover, the true intentions of the terrorists gradually become apparent. Hans wants to break into the company's vault and get away with an estimated eighty million dollars. Refusing to wait any longer for an official response, McClane decides to take action, using his police training to observe and create small opportunities to turn the tables against the terrorists. Utilizing his understanding of the building's mechanical system, he manages to turn off the power and set fire to a key computer machine used by the terrorists. As well as trying to sabotage their plans, McClane's first endeavor is to save his visibly distraught wife, who has discovered she has been abducted by Hans. Stumbling into a side-alley, McClane grabs a dropped semi-working radio and starts calling the LAPD for immediate assistance. In response, he receives an uncooperative and unhelpful 911 operator who merely sympathizes with his situation. With McClane operating in silence and unaware of the potential danger surrounding every corner, Hans, unaware that the radio call has been made, feels complacent that there are no other loose ends. This miscalculation ultimately leads to a spectacular fight between the resourceful McClane and the cunning villain, however these close call take place throughout the night. The terrorist Hans takes advantage of the chaos when John falls unconscious in the rubble. Using an opportunity to gather information and avoid being discovered, John begins to explore the lower level of the building and takes down several male terrorists. After establishing that there are fewer terrorists than he initially thought, McClane has a lot to think about. Next evening, John finds a female German accomplice in Germany, a mystery female as McClane initially names her Mary Ellen, until he realizes she was an exception to the rule of male accomplices. Taking time to question her actions, he establishes her identity as Helga Krauss, former wife of one the accomplices, Simon, who put her in the team as a covert double agent to the true objectives of the threat. However, after enduring hardships throughout the night, John McClane finally gets the upper hand with a massive truck and subsequently brings the opportunity to finally initiate rescue operations and help.