What we flagged
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Our take
A loud, violent 1980s action thriller, this one plays out in a skyscraper under siege. Gunfights, explosions and a steady body count run the whole way through, with some blood and a handful of grim moments. The language is heavy, with the f-word and other strong words throughout. Older teens and up who already handle sustained action violence and swearing will know the territory.
Uplifting themes
Beneath the mayhem sits a husband fighting to keep his wife safe and a worn-out cop rediscovering his nerve. Courage, loyalty and teamwork with an officer on the radio all come through clearly Brave and loyal though he is, John also acts recklessly, swears without pause and settles most trouble with a gun. A supportive beat cop gives kids a calmer example of doing right
Story (may spoil tone)
High above the city of L.A. a team of terrorists has seized a building, taken hostages, and declared war. One man has manages to escape... An off-duty cop hiding somewhere inside. He's alone, tired... and the only chance anyone has got.
What we flagged
Details
Violence Once armed thieves take the tower, the gunfire rarely pauses, and peopl…
Once armed thieves take the tower, the gunfire rarely pauses, and people are shot, beaten and killed from start to finish. A barefoot struggle across broken glass turns tense and bloody. The violence here is sustained
Language Swearing runs constant, headed by the f-word along with plenty of s-wor…
Swearing runs constant, headed by the f-word along with plenty of s-words and name-calling, often yelled mid-fight. Even the film's famous catchphrase signs off on an f-word
Sex / nudity A little mild innuendo and one quick kiss are about as far as it goes,…
A little mild innuendo and one quick kiss are about as far as it goes, with no sex or nudity on screen. It barely registers in a film fixed firmly on the siege
Drugs / alcohol During the office party one businessman snorts cocaine and grows cocky…
During the office party one businessman snorts cocaine and grows cocky off it, while social drinking and smoking fill out the bash. The drug use is short but plainly on screen
Frightening The hostage standoff holds a tense, high-stakes charge, driven by burst…
The hostage standoff holds a tense, high-stakes charge, driven by bursts of gunfire and a cold, menacing head villain. It leans more thrilling than frightening, though younger viewers may feel the strain
Gore / death / weapons Realistic handguns and automatic weapons feature throughout, and severa…
Realistic handguns and automatic weapons feature throughout, and several bodies pile up along the way. Blood shows here and there, including a wounded man's bare, cut feet, though the camera never dwells on it
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
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Talk after watching
- The hero cracks jokes while people are being shot around him. How does that mix of humor and violence sit with your teen?
- John keeps heading back into danger instead of waiting for help. When is that brave, and when is it reckless?
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Die Hard
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