Thumbs up!

Rating: 10/10 (1 October 2014)

The movie 10 Things I Hate About You (1995) perfectly depicts how high school can be the ideal place to let our hearts dictate over our brains. Gil Junger, the director of the movie, casted it superbly. Starting with Heath Ledger as Patrick Verona, he takes on the mystery and charm of a bad boy. With Heath Ledger being born in Australia, as stated by his bio page on the website Biography by A&E, his accent only adds to the excitement of the character that everyone knows nothing about. His equal, Kat Stratford, is played by Julia Stiles, who happens to be one of my favorite actresses. In her unconventional way, Stiles' beauty shines through her characters introverted ways. Even if she is not popular among the rest of her peers, she walked with confidence down the halls of Padua. On screen, Ledger and Stiles compliment each other with their various acting techniques. The two are different in ways and seem to still have the chemistry you would find in a real life teenage couple. To say their characters belong together when played by the two, is an understatement.
This was also one of Joseph Gordon-Levitt's first movies as a young teen. Before 10 Things, Levitt was only recognized for his role in Angel's In The Outfield. In an article published to the website, Thought Catalog, Levitt's work from the movie is recognized and followed by movies that he starred in after his role as Cameron James. Also, in the article he is even compared to his on-screen co-worker, Heath Ledger, as having more "depth." The movie centers around Cameron James' plot so why not have an up and coming actor play the fellow? His young looks and boyish charm make watchers sympathize for the love sick James, which only adds to Levitt's success in playing this particular character. Larisa Oleynik, plays the innocent, yet sought after, Bianca Stratford. For Oleynik, it took a certain charm to be one of the most desired girls in school and yet be so sheltered and naïve. In my opinion, Oleynik makes the movie. She's the light in the movie and has to constantly be a sort of comic relief. With this character, and that job, Oleynik makes it seem effortless.
Every movie needs its villain. Joey Donner is played by Andrew Keegan. Keegan's pretty boy face makes him perfect for the role. He also, adds a nice touch of spoiled rich kid flare with his slicked back hair and feminine features. The parts of the movie become whole when these actors and actresses interact with one another. I have seen my fair share of movies and no other one has quite the easy-going flow as this movie does. 10 Things I Hate About You is easily one of my favorite movies. I feel with the cast's efforts and amazing story-line, it takes a pleasing twist on Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. Any high school student can relate to the heartbreak and excitement of this movie and finds comfort that other people may be going through similar situations. I would say that 10 Things I Hate About You is arguably the best comedy movie of 1995. A great cast and amazing team of directors can be responsible for the success that is still widely watched today, almost ten years later.