One of my favorite movies, probably. Classic Heath Ledger, baby Joseph Gordon-Levitt and punk-ass Julia Stiles is already an all-star lineup; throw in a spinoff of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and a bomb soundtrack -- you have yourself 10 Things I Hate About You. After recently watching this with a group of friends, I realized how many good life lessons are snuck into every movie. Especially with this classic film, I discovered how many fantastic lines wove their way into the script and how much of a genius Shakespeare actually was.
So here are ten things that I learned after watching the movie:
1. Hate really means love.
See! It's like being a little kid all over again. "You're gross" translates to "you're actually awesome, perfect, wonderful, etc."
2. Sibling-love comes in various ways, but all of it is necessary.
Whether it's an actual sibling, your sorority sisters/ fraternity brothers, or just really good friends, no one will quite pick on you the way someone in that position will, and no one will love you the same way they will. It's a necessary evil.
3. Heath Ledger gives GREAT advice.
Could that be any more true? I think not. Preach, Heath, preach.
4. Boys suck.
You go, Julia Stiles. You tell him. (But really, being a male and an asshole does not make you worthy of our time. Be nice [see #7]). (Also sorry boyz, oops).
5. Your parent lectures were not as terrifying.
Mr. Stratford made me appreciate the simple, "Have fun!" goodbyes I received from my parents. His hasty, intimidating farewell would have scared me into staying home.
6. It's valuable to stay true to yourself.
Live up to your own expectations and your own goals, always. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Aim as high as you like. Be yourself.
7. Beauty doesn't trump kindness.
A sweet soul wins above a sweet face everyday. Being kind is #1.
8. Friends rock.
The only people you can say stupid stuff with and they get you. No judgment, no laughing, just being a friend.
9. Girls are one of a kind.
Julia Stiles did it best.
10. Love triumphs all.
At the end of the day, or movie, they end up together (Spoiler alert). So love does win, at least for every good person in the movie. Sorry, Joey Donner.
Well, I hope if you've read this, you've seen the movie, and if not, please go watch it. You won't regret it. I've seen it upwards of 15 times, and I laugh and fall more in love with it each time.
Late '90s film, but still a new millennium classic. A perfect cast, set in gorgeous Seattle, the movie has it all. 10/10 teenage girls would recommend.
RIP Heath Ledger <3
