10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

I had refrained from watching this for a couple of years (2017, I think) because I was very apprehensive about having another #childoodruined moment (just literature degree things). So when I finally watched it on Heath Ledger's 42nd birth anniversary, my joy knew no bounds upon discovering how it has aged in such a lovely and charming manner, all the while retaining all its credentials as one of the best rom-coms in the history of rom-coms. And also as one of the best movies set in a high school. And one of the few Hollywood movies with amazing soundtracks. 

Another thing I love about revisiting old beloved favourites, apart from the sense of comfort, is seeing how much of my personality is borrowed from them. And here, I found more than I was expecting to. For one, I could chart how I had grown up- as an adolescent, all I wanted to be was Kat, and in most ways, I really was her. But now, seeing it as a 24 year old (yelp), I think I have grown up into Michael, and I really don't know what to make of that. I still am Kat in many ways, but well. Also, how cute were Michael and Mandella???? The softest OTP, methinks. 

In conclusion, I am so glad that this part of my formative years exists. Not only because it taught me so much, but also because it really is the warmest hug I could have received on a weird, messy and lonely day. 

PS- Julia Stiles is flawless, both in acting and looks. No wonder I still have a lowkey crush on her. 

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