Release: 1999-03-30
Runtime: 1h 37m (97 minutes)
On the first day at his new school, Cameron instantly falls for Bianca, the gorgeous girl of his dreams. The only problem is that Bianca is forbidden to date until her ill-tempered, completely un-dateable older sister Kat goes out, too. In an attempt to solve his problem, Cameron singles out the only guy who could possibly be a match for Kat: a mysterious bad boy with a nasty reputation of his own.
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Genres: Drama, Comedy, Romance
Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, more
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
as Cameron James
Julia Stiles
as Katarina Stratford
Heath Ledger
as Patrick Verona
David Krumholtz
as Michael Eckman
Allison Janney
as Ms. Perky
Gabrielle Union
as Chastity
Larry Miller
as Walter Stratford
Bianca Kajlich
as Coffee Girl
Larisa Oleynik
as Bianca Stratford
Andrew Keegan
as Joey Donner
Daryl Mitchell
as Mr. Morgan
Susan May Pratt
as Mandella
William Shakespeare
Theatre Play
Kirsten Smith
Writer
Gil Junger
Director
Jimmy N. Roberts
Stunts
Karen McCullah
Writer
Mark Irwin
Director of Photography
Richard Gibbs
Original Music Composer
Richard Gibbs
Orchestrator
Dean A. Zupancic
Sound Re-Recording Mixer
Ben Scott
Stunt Coordinator
Miguel Ángel Poveda
Post Production Accountant
Andrew Lazar
Producer
On the first day at his new school, Cameron instantly falls for Bianca, the gorgeous girl of his dreams. The only problem is that Bianca is forbidden to date until her ill-tempered, completely un-dateable older sister Kat goes out, too. In an attempt to solve his problem, Cameron singles out the only guy who could possibly be a match for Kat: a mysterious bad boy with a nasty reputation of his own.
How do I loathe thee? Let me count the ways.
10 Things I Hate About You is a classic 1999 American teen romantic comedy directed by Gil Junger. This film marks Junger's debut as a director and features standout performances from Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Larisa Oleynik. The screenplay, written by Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith, is a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare's play, The Taming of the Shrew, set in a late-1990s high school environment.
The story revolves around Cameron James, played by Gordon-Levitt, who is infatuated with the popular Bianca Stratford, portrayed by Oleynik. However, Bianca's overprotective father, Walter Stratford, has strict rules about dating. He allows Bianca to date only if her older sister, Kat (played by Stiles), also dates. To solve this dilemma, Cameron persuades the rebellious "bad boy" Patrick Verona (Ledger) to date Kat, setting off a chain of events filled with humor and romance. The film was shot primarily in the Seattle metropolitan area, with many scenes filmed at Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington.
10 Things I Hate About You was released on March 31, 1999, and grossed approximately $53.7 million at the box office. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and has since gained a reputation as a cult classic, often recognized as one of the best romantic comedies of all time. The film launched the careers of its young actors, earning them nominations for various teen awards.
As the plot unfolds, Cameron faces the challenge of getting Kat to agree to date Patrick, knowing her independent spirit and disdain for societal norms. Their relationship develops amid several humorous and heartfelt moments, notably Patrick's memorable serenade to Kat, which features the song "Can't Take My Eyes Off You." This scene has become iconic in teen cinema. Along the way, other characters, including Bianca's attempts to navigate her crush on Joey Donner, add depth and complexity to the story. The film ultimately explores themes of love, friendship, and the importance of being true to oneself.
The film has been praised for its clever writing and strong performances. Critics highlighted Stiles and Ledger's chemistry, calling it both charming and relatable. Notably, the film's message resonates with younger audiences today, as it features a strong female lead who challenges traditional romantic tropes. The character of Kat embodies an independent spirit, making significant strides in feminist representation in film.
In 2009, a television series based on the movie premiered, featuring Larry Miller reprising his role as Walter Stratford. This adaptation lasted for one season, showcasing the continuing popularity of the original film's story.
Overall, 10 Things I Hate About You remains a beloved film more than two decades after its release. Its impact on pop culture is evident, as it is frequently referenced in discussions about the best teen movies. With its clever adaptation of classic literature, timeless themes, and standout performances, the film continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
