Friday Night Movies: 10 Things I Hate About You

In this instalment of Friday Night Movies, we turn the spotlight on a film that, since its release in 1999, has become a beloved classic in the teen rom-com genre. "10 Things I Hate About You," directed by Gil Junger, is not just a movie; it's a cultural touchstone that encapsulates the angst and ecstasy of high school life. This film is a must-watch for our series, not only for its heartwarming moments but also for marking the beginning of the late Heath Ledger's illustrious career. Ledger's performance is both charismatic and endearing, setting the stage for his future roles and leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood.

Plot

"10 Things I Hate About You" cleverly reimagines Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" in a late '90s high school setting, blending humour, romance, and teenage drama with surprising sophistication. The story revolves around the Stratford sisters: the sociable Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) and her older, more forthright sister Kat (Julia Stiles). Bianca's dating life is hindered by their father's strict rule: she can't date until Kat does. Enter Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), a mysterious new student who is paid to woo Kat, setting off a series of comedic and touching events that explore themes of love, identity, and growth.

Cast

The ensemble cast of "10 Things I Hate About You" delivers performances that resonate with authenticity and charm. Julia Stiles' portrayal of Kat Stratford is relatable, capturing the spirit of a young woman who is unapologetically herself. Heath Ledger, as Patrick Verona, a perfect blend of mystery and sensitivity. Larisa Oleynik's Bianca is naive yet endearing, providing a perfect counterpart to Stiles' Kat. The chemistry among the cast, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the lovestruck Cameron and David Krumholtz as his geeky friend Michael, creates a dynamic and engaging viewing experience that makes this more than your typical teen movie.

Reviews

Upon its release, "10 Things I Hate About You" was well received by both audiences and critics, earning high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDb. With an Audience Score of 69% as users continue to praise the cult classic. On IMDb "10 Things I Hate About You" has recorded 7.3/10 from over 383,000 reviews.

Trailer

Memorable Scene

Heath Ledger's impromptu performance of "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" on the high school bleachers, complete with a marching band backup, is a standout moment that showcases Ledger's charm which would later make him a Hollywood A-lister.

A fun fact about the musical number — Frankie Valli's 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' wasn't always the musical pick for the scene. Screenwriter, Karen McCullah told the New York Times 'I Think I Love You' was the initial song in the script. Then they decided on 'I Touch Myself,' and reports say Heath decided that wasn't romantic enough, so he chose the Frankie Valli song. Good call we say.

How To Watch 10 Things I Hate About You

Available to stream on Disney+.

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Friday Night Movies

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