10 Things I Hate About You

NZ release: 03 June 1999

Sexual references Rated on: 03 February 2025

10 things i hate about you

What’s it about?

Newbie at Padua High School, Cameron, falls for Bianca upon first seeing her. However, because of her parent's rule, he must first get her anti-social older sister, Kat, to date someone before he can ask Bianca out. So, Cameron pays a mysterious boy, Patrick, to charm Kat.

The facts

  • Directed by Gil Junger
  • Starring Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight), Julia Stiles (Save the Last Dance), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception), and Larisa Oleynik (The Secret World of Alex Mack)
  • English and French languages
  • Runtime: 97 minutes
  • A modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “Taming of the Shrew.”

Why did it get this rating?

This film game was cross-rated by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about cross-rating here.

Sexual references

This film contains sexual references.

  • In one scene, it is implied that a high school girl flashes her breasts at the teacher to distract him as her friend escapes from detention. We see her shirt being raised from behind, no nudity is shown, besides part of her back.
  • A boy mentions how a girl must have “beer flavoured nipples.” In another scene, a boy discusses what colour of underwear a girl is wearing.
  • Teenagers draw breasts and penises. One bully draws a penis on another boy’s face, next to his mouth.
  • A couple kiss passionately in the background.

Coarse language

The film includes mild coarse language throughout. Words like “s**t,” “crap,” and “bitch,” are used frequently. The word “whore” appears a few times, and in one scene the N-word can be heard in a song playing briefly in the background.

When content stays with you:

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.

Further information

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