Summary

The 1999 movie, directed by Gil Junger, depicts an unexpected romance between the main characters, Kat Stratford, played by Julia Stiles and Patrick Verona, played by Heath Ledger. Kat is not the type of girl that attracts guys easily, which makes it difficult for her sister, Bianca, played by Larisa Oleynik, to date because their father made a rule that she cannot date until Kat does. A boy that desires to date Bianca is aware of the rule and goes on a difficult concord to find a boy to like Kat. This sets up the romance that develops between Kat and Patrick since he is known to be the “high school bad boy,” which goes on for the rest of the movie with a few ups and downs but ends happily.  This is a modern version of William Shakespeare’s play, The Taming of the Shrew.

Plot 3.5/5

The plot is uneasy at some points and has some weak spots. In the first 20 minutes of the movie is dedicated to just setting up the plot. After the romance is sparked between Kat and Patrick, the rest of the movie moves pretty quickly with isn’t cohesive with the rest of the movie. The inappropriate jokes and references also does not sit well with parents so it is recommended to be 14 or older to watch the movie. Despite these few weaknesses of the movie, this movie is a 90’s and alternative lovers dream with the dreamy, scruffy boys, and the 1990’s vibe throughout the entire movie.

Production 4 / 5

The acting of all of the characters makes you feel as if you are in the movie. The way Patrick is portrayed to be romantically involved with Kat comes off as if he actually is in love with her because of the amazing acting. Although the sister, Bianca, and her friends are considered the typical air heads, they add to the acting because it enhances the alternative actions of Kat and Patrick, making them seem more perfect for each other. The teachers in the movie do come off as more juvenile than the teens, which seems unrealistic; It gives a comedic effect that helps even out the emotions that come out in the movie.

Soundtrack 5/5

The soundtrack of the movie features all of the popular alternative rock of the 1970’s-1990’s. Artists like Letters to Cleo, The Cardigans, Leroy, and Richard Gibbs, were throughout the movie giving viewers the anthems of that era. The album was voted one of the best modern rock soundtracks of spring 1999.

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Rating

Due to the mature nature of the movie, this is an above average teen film. Although the plot develops quickly after the first initial set up, the overall layout of the movie is one of the best alternative teen dramas of that era. The soundtrack showcases the perfect vibe to match the genre of the movie. With the edginess behind both of the main characters present, it gives you an insight to the “perfect high school romance,” with the outcast girl and the scary, bad boy. If you are looking for a movie to watch on a rainy day, a sunny day, or just in your free time, 10 Things I Hate About You is the ideal one to get wrapped up in.