Die Hard Subtitled VHS Video Bruce Willis An off-duty detective visits the building where his wife works on Christmas Eve. But shortly after the party starts, terrorists attack the venue. As the floor is occupied and employees, including his wife, are taken hostage, he begins to fight back alone. "Die Hard" is a 1988 American film. Directed by John McTiernan, with a screenplay by Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza. Starring Bruce Willis, with Alan Rickman as the leader of the enemy. Detective John McClane of the New York City Police Department, who has come to Los Angeles to see his estranged wife, fights in a high-rise building occupied by a group of terrorists led by German terrorist Hans Gruber. Other supporting actors include Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson, William Atherton, Paul Gleason, and Hart Bochner. The original work is Roderick Thorp's 1979 novel "Nothing Lasts Forever" (the Japanese title is the same as the movie, "Die Hard"). The title "Die Hard" means "doesn't die easily." Director: John McTiernan Screenplay: Jeb Stuart Steven E. de Souza Original work: "Die Hard" Roderick Thorp Production: Charles Gordon Joel Silver Executive Producer: Charles Gordon Music: Michael Kamen Theme song: Vaughn Monroe "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" Photography: Jan de Bont Editing: John F. Link Frank J. Urioste Production Company: Gordon Company Silver Pictures Distribution: 20th Century Fox Release: United States July 15, 1988 Japan February 4, 1989 Running time: 132 minutes