10 Things I Hate About You is a classic 90s romantic comedy starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger. It is a modern take on William Shakespeare's play, The Taming of The Shrew. In the movie, Julia Stiles plays Katarina Stratford, a grungy senior that is feared by most of her High School peers. Also called Kat, she takes on the role of the "classic hero" by Aristotle's definition as she is likable for the way that she is undeniably herself while most of her high school is filled ordinary, conforming people. Kat has a younger sister Bianca who is sought after by all the boys at school. However, Bianca isn't allowed to date anyone until her older sister Kat starts dating, per their father's rules.
The real thick of the movie begins when a young boy starts paying Heath Ledger's character, Patrick, to take the scary sister, Kat, out on dates. As I'm sure anyone could guess this typical comedy, by modern expectations and by Aristotle's rules, ends happily with Patrick falling madly in love Kat, and her little sister Bianca ending up with the somewhat nerdy boy that set up her older sister with the only man on campus that could handle her individuality.
I personally love comedies, especially romantic comedies because they give people a chance to get lost in a story and forget about whatever problems they may have. I think that although some movies have a certain purpose or message to get across about the human condition, most of those movies probably aren't comedies because in our modern day, comedies are really just out there for a bit of simple entertainment.
This movie generally followed Aristotle's frame for a comedy, and it may have helped that the movie is based on a Shakespeare play. Although this film didn't provide a super deep message or social commentary, it does play into the idea that being yourself is always your best option, and that sometimes in life you have to let down your guard.
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