10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Genre

Comedy | Romance

Director

Gil Junger

Country

USA

Cast

Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, Larry Miller, Andrew Keegan, David Krumholtz, Susan May Pratt, Gabrielle union, Daryl Mitchell, Allison Janney, David Leisure, Greg Jackson, Kyle Cease

Storyline

Popular, pretty Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik) is in dilemma. A family rule forbids her from dating until her unpopular, rebellious, boy-hating older sister Kat (Julia Stiles) gets a suitor of her own. In an attempt to win Bianca, a potential boyfriend (Andrew Keegan) desperately attempts to set Kat up with Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), another rebel who may just be able to win Kat's heart.

Opinion

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

Adapted from William Shakespeare's play The Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You isn't really much more than just another teen romcom.

The film certainly does not teem with originality. The plot is always the same. The geek falls in love with the popular girl and eventually gets her. The good looking asshole with the beautiful car gets humiliated at the end. The stereotyped students and teachers are everywhere. 

Then, there is the badass and the rebellious girl. The evolving of their story is completely predictable. He asks her out for money, but eventually falls for her and he's returned, and when everything's going great she finds out about the money deal. I knew it would have ended like so since the thing started.

The writing isn't that good, I'm addressing this to the characters in particular. Kat's character is too cynical and harsh, especially to fall in love. The teacher rapping sonnets was definitely not cool, neither it is the way he treats his students. Cameron, Gordon-Levitt's character, only purpose seems to be putting together the plot. He isn't much of a character. Just an element in the movie.

However, the acting gives the film an extra point. Julia Stiles nails the feminist, anti-social role, and she is so authentic I feel like almost every girl can identify with her. Heath Ledger gives a charming performance, and he really is standing out. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is just adorable, and funny. Larisa Oleynik, Larry Miller and Andrew Keegan all do a good job.

I'm really sad I didn't fall for this film because I just love the cast. Oh, I almost forgot, I really liked the quote, "What is popular is not always right; what is right is not always popular." on the class's wall, but I'm not really sure it has something to do with the film.

Quotes

Kat Stratford: I guess in this society, being male and an asshole makes you worthy of our time.