Review of Krepkiy Oreshek (1968) by Tony P — 25 Dec 2017

Action film from 1988 that launched the Hollywood film career of its star man Bruce Willis. An acting career which until that time mainly involved US television shows. Moonlighting springs to mind.

Willis plays New York detective John McClane who visits his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) at Christmas time at her place of employment Nakatomi Plaza, a skyscraper HQ for the Nakatomi Corporation.

Whilst visiting the building just happens to come under attack by a ruthless gang of terrorists led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman).

Rickman is excellent as the villain Gruber. I was reminded of his excellence by seeing an image of him falling to his death from the 30th floor of the building a few days ago. An iconic Christmas moment!

Rickman would revel his villainous role and go onto similar as The Sheriff Of Nottingham in 1991s Robin Hood: Prince Of Thieves.

It is Willis who steals the movie with his never say die attitude whilst half undressed. Barefoot and vested. Even he remarks it is better than being caught with your pants down.

Whatever happened to Bonnie Bedelia. I think she starred in 1990s Die Hard 2 and that's it?

The skyscraper holds millions of dollars in bonds in its vault hence the thieving terrorist angle.

Willis has a full head of his own hair. It was 1988!

Excellent caper.