RMOCJ: Opening the Vault in Die Hard

Movies and movie criticism can be terrible, cynical and soul-crushing. So why do we go to the movies? Random Moment of Cinematic Joy highlights a moment, scene, character or film that is awesome in a way that can refill your reservoir of faith in films.

 For me, when I think Die Hard, I think three things: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman and... this scene.

For the first half of Die Hard, Rickman and his cronies have executed a flawless plan to take over Nakatomi Plaza and make off with the loot. The one variable they did not account for was Willis's John McClane, who observes his role as a "fly in the ointment" of Gruber's plans.

Over halfway into the picture, Gruber gets one of the things he wants. The FBI shuts off power to the building, disabling the lock on the vault and opening it to the bad guys.

It's the details that make it.  The light behind Hans Gruber.  The slight hint of wind through his hair.  The confidence of the FBI agents.  Awesome.

Sure, it's the bad guys winning (for the moment), but the feature is titled "Random Moments of Cinematic Joy" and when I think "joy" I think Alan Rickman, bearer bonds and, of course, Beethoven.