10 Things I Hate About You

"10 Things I Hate About You" centers on the lives of two sisters, Bianca and Kat Stratford. The story is set in a high school in Seattle, where the sisters navigate the challenges of love, relationships, and high school drama.

Bianca, the younger sister, is popular and sought after by many boys in school. However, their overprotective father has a strict rule that Bianca cannot date until her older sister Kat does. The problem is that Kat is known for her strong-willed and feisty personality, making her unpopular with most of the students.

Cameron James, a new student at the school, becomes smitten with Bianca upon first sight and decides to pursue her. In an attempt to get closer to Bianca, he hatches a plan to find someone to date Kat, so that Bianca can be free to date. Cameron enlists the help of his new friend, Michael, who suggests Patrick Verona, a mysterious and rebellious student, as the perfect candidate to date Kat. Patrick is rumored to have a sketchy past, and they strike a deal that if Patrick can win Kat over, Cameron will pay him.

As Patrick starts spending time with Kat, he realizes that there is more to her than meets the eye. He discovers that she is passionate about feminism and poetry, and they begin to develop a genuine connection. However, Kat is unaware of the initial arrangement between Patrick and Cameron, leading to some misunderstandings and conflicts.

"10 Things I Hate About You" may appear like a typical high school romantic comedy on the surface, but beneath its humorous facade lies a deeper exploration of themes that resonate with audiences of all ages. At its core, the film examines the idea of perception versus reality: characters like Patrick and Kat are initially misjudged based on rumors and stereotypes, but as the story unfolds, the audience discovers the complexities and vulnerabilities beneath their tough exteriors. This serves as a reminder not to judge others based on preconceived notions and to look beyond surface appearances to find the true essence of a person.

Release: 1999

Stars: Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles, Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%