What Made '10 Things I Hate About You' Iconic In Its Time

• The Script

  The script is clever, witty, sharp and genuinely funny. I can't tell you how many lines and scenes from this movie live rent-free in my mind.  From learning the concept of being "whelmed", to finding another word for "engorged" and understanding the difference between "like" and "love". How about the scene where Stiles dances on a table at a party? Or when she reads her poem that reduces us to tears? Or Mr. Stafford's epic response that "hell is just a sauna" to his daughter's statement that she's "just going to a party". Should have been a contender for the best-adapted screenplay.

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• The Cast

  This movie was perfectly cast. From Joseph Gordon Levit- who played the lovable underdog Cameron so well that we have no choice but to root for him -  to Allison Janney as Ms. Perky, the erotica novel writing guidance counselor (let's just say she is more smut writer than counselor). And of course, Heath Ledger, who plays bad boy Patrick Varona with effortless charm and charisma. Heath gives Patrick dimension and portrays him as so much more than just a typical bad boy. And I know he has a minor part, but Daryl Mitchell., who plays Mr. Morgan is worthy of acknowledgment. He nails every line. Favorite one: "Now, I know Shakespeare's a dead white guy, but he knows his sh*t, so we can overlook that".

  
   

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• The Chemistry

  The chemistry between Ledger and Stiles is incredible and undeniable. You have no choice but to ship them. I live for their witty banter. They are pure on-screen magic.  This applies to the entire cast as well. The stars really all did align when this cast was brought together.  

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• Badass Female Lead

  Ok, yes, Kat's feminism is flawed but keep in mind this movie came out in 1999, so all things considered, it was pretty progressive to have a female lead be a strong, independent feminist who rejects the standards and ideals society has crafted for women and refuses (loudly) to conform to them. She is a certified bad bitch.

  
   

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• It’s kind of woke

  Kat's feminism isn't the only thing about this movie that makes it superior.  Kat gets called out for her white privilege and her English teacher points out that the curriculum doesn't include any black authors. Social expectations and peer pressure is also a recurring theme. But perhaps most refreshing was the scene in which Patrick doesn't kiss Kat because he knows she's too drunk. Pretty Woke for a 90's film.

  
   

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• Heath Ledger singing 'Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You'

  This is arguably the best scene in the movie and you can be sure that I still fangirl over Ledger in this scene, even as a grown-ass woman. In an attempt to win over Kat, Patrick pays the school's marching band to play 'Can't Take My Eyes Off of You' and serenades her in front of the soccer team. Heath manages to keep the scene light and funny. It doesn't feels cheesy or kitschy. Patrick's remorse for hurting her feelings totally comes across. Meanwhile, I'm over here just trying to make it to a second date without being ghosted.

  
   

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