**Julia Stiles Reveals ‘Wonderful’ Yet ‘Sad’ Keepsake From ’10 Things I Hate About You’**
*Source: Newsweek*
Julia Stiles, the beloved actress who starred in the iconic 1999 teen romantic comedy *10 Things I Hate About You*, recently shared a touching story about a keepsake she has from the film. While the memento holds wonderful memories, it also carries a bittersweet sentiment tied to the movie’s legacy and the late Heath Ledger, her co-star.
### A Look Back at *10 Things I Hate About You*
*10 Things I Hate About You* is a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s *The Taming of the Shrew*. Set in a high school, the film tells the story of Kat Stratford (played by Julia Stiles), a fiercely independent and intelligent teenager who wants nothing to do with romance, and Patrick Verona (played by Heath Ledger), the charming bad boy hired to woo her. The film was a critical and commercial success, becoming a defining movie of the late ’90s teen genre.
#### Main Characters and Their Actors:
– **Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles):**
Kat is a sharp-tongued feminist with a love for literature and a disdain for societal norms. Julia Stiles’ performance was praised for its depth and relatability, making her a standout star of the era. Stiles went on to have a successful career, appearing in films like *Save the Last Dance*, *The Bourne Identity*, and *Silver Linings Playbook*.
– **Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger):**
Patrick is the mysterious and rebellious love interest who wins Kat’s heart. Heath Ledger’s charismatic performance in the film launched his career, leading to iconic roles in *Brokeback Mountain* and *The Dark Knight*. Tragically, Ledger passed away in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances.
– **Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik):**
Kat’s younger sister, Bianca, is a bubbly and popular high schooler who dreams of dating but is restricted by her father’s strict rules. Larisa Oleynik was already a familiar face from her role in *The Secret World of Alex Mack* and continued to act in TV and film.
– **Cameron James (Joseph Gordon-Levitt):**
Cameron is the sweet and earnest new student who falls for Bianca. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s role in the film was one of his early successes, and he has since become a critically acclaimed actor, starring in films like *Inception*, *Looper*, and *500 Days of Summer*.
### Julia Stiles’ Keepsake: A Bittersweet Reminder
In a recent interview, Julia Stiles revealed that she kept a special item from the set of *10 Things I Hate About You*. The keepsake in question is a piece of wardrobe—a pair of black boots that her character, Kat, wore throughout the film. Stiles described the boots as a symbol of Kat’s strong and independent personality, which resonated deeply with her at the time.
However, the keepsake also serves as a poignant reminder of Heath Ledger, whose untimely death left a profound impact on his co-stars and fans. Stiles reflected on the joy of working with Ledger, describing him as a generous and talented actor who brought warmth and humor to the set.
### Why *10 Things I Hate About You* Still Resonates
The film remains a cultural touchstone for several reasons:
– **Timeless Themes:**
The movie explores themes of individuality, love, and family dynamics, which continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
– **Memorable Scenes:**
From Patrick’s unforgettable serenade of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” to Kat’s emotional poem in class, the film is packed with iconic moments.
– **Strong Female Lead:**
Kat Stratford’s unapologetic confidence and intelligence made her a role model for many young women.
– **Chemistry Between Leads:**
The on-screen chemistry between Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger was electric, making their love story both believable and compelling.
### Fun Facts About the Film:
– The movie was filmed in Tacoma, Washington, with Stadium High School serving as the backdrop for many scenes.
– Heath Ledger improvised parts of the famous serenade scene, including his playful interaction with the marching band.
– Julia Stiles’ emotional reading of the titular poem was done in one take, and her tears were genuine.
### Legacy of the Film
*10 Things I Hate About You* continues to be celebrated as one of the best teen movies of all time. Its witty script, talented cast, and heartfelt story have ensured its place in pop culture history. For Julia Stiles, the keepsake she holds onto is more than just a pair of boots—it’s a reminder of a magical time in her career and the unforgettable people she worked with.
As fans revisit the film, they are reminded of the joy it brought and the lasting impact of its stars, particularly the late Heath Ledger, whose legacy lives on through his remarkable body of work.