Saturday, 5pm Film4
"10 Things I Hate About You" remains one of the most iconic teen rom-coms of the late '90s, blending Shakespearean roots with the era’s youthful irreverence. This 1999 adaptation of "The Taming of the Shrew" set in an American high school launched the careers of Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, capturing a generation's imagination with its sharp dialogue and subversive take on high school romance. The film’s charm lies in its blend of wit and emotional sincerity, punctuated by Ledger’s unforgettable serenade of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” – a scene that has since become legendary in the rom-com canon.
The soundtrack, much like the film, is a perfect time capsule of the late '90s, effortlessly weaving between punk, indie, and pop. Letters to Cleo, whose cover of “I Want You to Want Me” closes the film, anchors the movie’s musical identity with raw, unpolished energy that complements Kat Stratford’s (Stiles) rebellious spirit. The band’s live performance on the rooftop during the credits mirrors the film’s blend of heart and edge. Other standout tracks include Semisonic’s “FNT” and Joan Armatrading’s “The Weakness in Me,” the latter underscoring moments of vulnerability in Kat’s otherwise hardened exterior.
What makes the soundtrack truly memorable is how it amplifies the film’s emotional beats, enhancing the characters' arcs without overpowering the narrative. The mix of punk rock and softer ballads reflects the tension between Kat and Patrick’s (Ledger) outward personas and their hidden depths. "10 Things I Hate About You" continues to resonate with audiences not just because of its witty script and charismatic leads, but because of its soundtrack – an audial diary of teenage rebellion and romance, still capable of stirring nostalgia decades later.
- Daisy Rae