New York cop John McClane (Willis arrives in LA for a Christmas party, but finds only a hostage situation stage-managed by master European villain Hans Gruber (played by a scene-stealing Alan Rickman).

McClane stumbles into a hostage stand-off when he joins his separated wife, Holly, for a Christmas drink.

She works in the 40-storey Nakatomi Tower, which is the target for a highly motivated crew of professional terrorists.

The villains, led by the slick, brilliant European crook, are intent on the $600m in bonds held in the tower's vaults. But McClane has his own plans and he doesn't take kindly to the disruption.

Twelve terrorists and just one cop. The odds are stacked against John McClane... but that's just the way he likes it.

This is basically your definition of the Hollywood blockbuster. It has everything from explosions, gun-fights, great one-liners, and Bruce Willis in a vest.

You won't be able to watch as Willis picks glass out of his bare feet, and you'll be too dazed to predict the defining action sequence before the final piece of the puzzle falls into place.

One of the best action movies ever. Outstanding.

Dominic Bloch