Unlike any film book I've read before, Strong Female Character is part-polemic, part-historical and social study of film, and part memoir. Hanna Flint deftly weaves these strands to tell a funny, angry and compelling story for right now: of how the cinematic world built this millennium girl's life. Covering absent fathers, MeToo, first loves, eating disorders and masturbation, there's little Hanna doesn't tackle head on with her signature honesty and humour. The huge authority with which she writes about film is only matched by the emotional power in describing her own experiences. Truly original. A must for any film fan who has wondered how their own life intersects with the art that they love. * Terri White *
A really gorgeous and thorough examination on films that have helped shape me into the woman I am today. Hanna's writing is sharp and wholesome and shows not only a forensic knowledge on movies but a deep love and respect for film. This book is a real celebration and ode to women who hold up the art of cinema. * Mollie Goodfellow *
Hanna brings her personal experience to a such-needed book. I relate so much and so many women will. A trailblazer. * Megha Mohan, co-founder of The Second Source *
A glorious coming-of-age memoir, Hanna Flint's Strong Female Character is a tour through the pop culture that made her, from formative crushes on Edward in Twilight to making sense of sexual assault with some help from Gone With the Wind and Blade Runner. At turns witty and moving, it's a breeze to read and left me with a stacked new list of films to enjoy. * Toby Moses, on Strong Female Character *
Packed with enough film references to make any nerd heart sing but this book is so much more: this is bare-your-soul writing that tells us how important cinema is in not only how we understand the world but how we move through it * Kate Herron, director of Loki *
Strong Female Character is a journey both through the writer's life and the movies that made her. Bitter-sweet, funny and sharp, it's for everyone that Disney never made a princess for * David Quantick *
Hanna is a terrific writer, with an eye for a telling detail and a strong, unique, passionate voice. She's put together some of the most revealing profiles to have run in Empire in recent years, vibrantly bringing her subjects' stories to life. And her reviews, too, are highly insightful, while always keeping a light touch. A real force in film writing. * Nick De Semlyen, Editor, Empire *
At a time when fluff and gossip reign supreme, Hanna Flint's work is consistently insightful, informative and engaging all at once. I always finish reading it feeling just a tad bit smarter. * Candice Frederick, Huffington Post *
A brilliantly clever, sharp, witty writer who has the ultimate respect and love for story. * Rachel De-Lahay, BAFTA-nominated screenwriter and playwright *
Hanna represents that rare thing in film criticism today - a funny and fearless soul, dedicated to the promise of cinema as a space where everyone's voice can be heard. * Clarisse Loughrey, Chief Film Critic, The Independent *
One of the smartest pop culture commentators out there, Hanna is able to filter the latest releases through a sophisticated lens of social justice with wit and flair. * Toby Moses, Guardian *
