10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
10 Things I Hate About You (1999) is a modern-day adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, set in a high school and directed by Gil Junger. The film stars Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles in iconic roles as Patrick Verona and Kat Stratford, two teenagers with complicated personalities and even more complicated love lives. Kat is an intelligent, strong-willed young woman who has no interest in romance, while her younger sister Bianca (Larrisa Oleynik) is more popular and eager to date. The school has a rule that Bianca can’t date until Kat does, leading to a bet made by a charming but rebellious student, Patrick, to win Kat’s heart. What begins as a scheme for money gradually transforms into a genuine love story. Filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and memorable performances, 10 Things I Hate About You has become a beloved teen rom-com classic.
The title’s famous poem, delivered by Kat in an emotional classroom scene, is the film’s emotional centerpiece. Julia Stiles’ heartfelt performance in this moment resonates deeply, encapsulating the vulnerability and complexity of teenage love and heartbreak.
10 Things I Hate About You remains a timeless classic, beloved for its sharp humor, endearing characters, and heartfelt story. It’s more than just a teen rom-com—it’s a film that celebrates individuality, self-discovery, and the messy, wonderful chaos of young love. Over two decades later, it continues to captivate audiences, earning its place as one of the most iconic films of its genre.