10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
PLOT
In this modern-day adaptation of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew set in a high school, Kat (Julia Stiles, the shrew in the title) is unpopular, not very nice, and prefers to stay that way. But when Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), with ulterior motives, tries to charm her out of her bitchy ways, they end up (surprise!) falling for each other.
WHY I LOVE IT
“I burn, I pine, I perish.”
In the late 90′s there was a gluttony of teenage comedies. They all sucked. Except this one. A ray of sunshine amidst a sea of dreck, 10 Things I Hate About You has surprising depth, a myriad of breakout stars and more laughs than any comedy released that year.
Let’s talk about the stars. We all had heard of Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles when this was released, but this is where people finally took notice. They both oozed charisma (admittedly, more him than her), and they both carved very respectable career paths since then. Ledger – like the late River Phoenix before him – was a hot flame of talent and acting chops before he left us too soon. Here he was arrogantly charming – it was as if he was forcing us to like him even though he really didn’t have to. He already had us at hello. Stiles had some strong projects in her career and became a respected young actress, but her Kat Stratford is still her best work. Teen angst has been done to death in cinema for years and years, but her Kat is a delightful bitch that we’d love to spar with (“Remove head from sphincter, then drive!”).
Also making huge impressions here are Joseph Gordon-Levitt in a big role that should have made him a star. He’s so genial and charming as Cameron, the young lad who had fallen for Kat’s dreamy sister Bianca (played by the absolutely adorable Larisa Oleynik). Throw in the hilarious David Krumholdtz as Cameron’s clueless best buddy (“I have a dick on my face, don’t I?”), Larry Miller as Kat and Bianca’s sweetly overprotective father (who makes his daughters wear a pregnancy suit before their dates to keep them from having sex) and the great Allison Janney as a principal in the midst of penning a racy novel (“Bratwurst? Aren’t we the optimist?”).
I’ve always stated that 10 Things was my rainy day movie, the one movie I can watch whenever I’m feeling blue. It’s a guaranteed pick-me-up. The screenplay is smart, knowing and frequently hilarious, and while it is certainly as conventional as its counterparts (you know exactly how it will all pan out), it surprises you with its emotional sucker punch of a climax. Kat’s poetry reading in her class is beautifully poignant (“But mostly I hate the way that I don’t hate you. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.”)
I love you, 10 Things I Hate About You. To paraphrase Kat Stratford, you’re not as vile as I thought you were.
10 Things I Hate About You is up there as one of the best teen flicks ever. Agree with absolutely everything you say about it. This film opened my eyes to Julia Stiles and ever since I’ve been wanting to see her in a role that makes me this excited about her. She’s brilliant!
Heath Ledger… *sigh* A massive shining star in this film.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is adorable. And you’re right, this should have made him more of a star back then than it did. But then, maybe if it had we wouldn’t have had all the brilliant stuff we’ve had from him over the years.
I really need to add this film to my DVD collection. I can’t believe I don’t own it.
So glad you’re a fan, Jaina! It really is a wonderful movie, isn’t it? I agree about Gordon-Levitt — I wouldn’t change a thing that would have alterted his exciting career path.
Own it, baby!!
One of my All Time Faves! The movie that made me fall in Love with Heath — when I was too young & foolish to fully appreciate JGL! (who was Amazing in “Looper” btw!).
I, too, need to get this on DVD. Want a good laugh? My current copy of “10 Things” is on a VHS tape along with “American Pie” & “The Legend of Billie Jean”.
You neglected to mention the soundtrack tho! Maybe I just came to love the songs as well after ohhh only a few Dozen viewings of the movie…. but there are at least 5 great songs by artists like Letters to Cleo, Save Ferris, & Sister Hazel.
I knew you’d be happy about this one.
I love what Heath has done with his short career, but Gordon-Levitt is just plain awesomesauce. Just really love this guy (and yes, I agree that he’s amazing in Looper).
I too had this on VHS, but I upgraded long ago. Much needed! I love having it around the house just knowing it’s there. So comforting. Never quite upgraded for American Pie, and I haven’t seen Legend of Billie Jean in, what, 25 years?? Wow!
And yes… thanks for pointing out the rockin’ soundtrack!
Good review. I agree with pretty much everything you wrote. I gave it four out of five stars when I reviewed it. It’s definitely one of the better teen comedies that have been made. “I maintain he kicked himself in the balls.” “She took off with some bikers…big ones…full of sperm.”
Good quotes! Tho I think my fav is still:
“What is it with this chick? she have beer-flavored nipples?”
Great quotes, both of you! The film is just loaded with them.
“My insurance does not cover PMS!”
or
“You’re asking me out? Oh, that’s so cute!! What’s your name again?”
or
“I know you can be overwhelmed, and you can underwhelmed, but can you ever be just whelmed?”
“I think you can in Europe.”
I can play this all day.
Great review, man
Thanks, buddy.