10 Things I Hate About You
A witty modernization of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew transplanted to a Seattle-area high school, starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger. A modest hit in theaters, it grew into a generational classic and launched the breakout careers of its three young leads.
Written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith and directed by Gil Junger in his feature directorial debut, 10 Things reimagined Shakespeare's play as a contemporary romance between the sharp-tongued Kat Stratford and the reformed bad boy Patrick Verona. Filming took place largely at Stadium High School in Tacoma, Washington—the gothic castle-like building providing the perfect backdrop—with additional scenes around Tacoma's North End and the prom sequence shot in Seattle.
The film's centerpiece is the now-legendary scene of Ledger serenading Stiles from the bleachers with Frankie Valli's "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," shot in just three takes. The movie's title comes from Kat's climactic monologue—a pointed list of her frustrations—which became the emotional and thematic heart of the film. Released on March 31, 1999, it provided genuine breakthrough moments for Stiles, Ledger, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, with Larisa Oleynik rounding out the ensemble.
On a $13 million budget, the film grossed $53.5 million worldwide, proving that teen comedies with literary roots and smart writing could find an audience. The film's success was so enduring that it spawned an ABC Family sitcom in 2009–2010 with 20 episodes, featuring Larry Miller reprising his role as Kat's overprotective father, extending the story for a new generation of viewers.
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