Mick Gaw, Film & TV Editor
All content by Mick Gaw
Staff Recs: HOT HOT HOT!
As the semester comes to a close, welcome in the warm weather with some of our summery staff favorites.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong
• May 3, 2024
Off the Radar: The summer of revolution in ‘Soy Cuba’
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “Soy Cuba” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Mick Gaw, Film & TV Editor
• May 3, 2024
Inside the Boxd: ‘Monkey Man,’ ‘Dune: Part Two,’ ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ and more
Inside the Boxd is a column documenting WSN staffers’ recent film reviews on Letterboxd. Grab some popcorn and get that watchlist ready!
Anna Baird-Hassell, Julia Diorio, Mick Gaw, Grace Katz, Karina Rower, Samson Tu and Stephanie Wong
• April 19, 2024
Q&A: Bertrand Bonello on AI, pigeons and ‘The Beast’
WSN spoke with Bonello about his new film “The Beast,” a genre-bending sci-fi melodrama about the fear of love.
Mick Gaw, Film & TV Editor
• April 5, 2024
WSN’s guide to the 53rd New Directors/New Films festival
In anticipation of the Lincoln Center and MoMA’s latest edition of ND/NF, WSN has put together a list of the most exciting films on the festival docket.
Mick Gaw, Film & TV Editor
• April 3, 2024
Staff Recs: HEAR ME OUT!
This is a judgment-free zone.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong
• April 2, 2024
Inside the Boxd: ‘Maestro,’ ‘The Banshees of Inisherin,’ ‘Valhalla Rising’ and ‘Mulholland Drive’
Inside the Boxd is a weekly column documenting WSN staffers’ recent film reviews on Letterboxd. Grab some popcorn and get that watchlist ready!
Anna Baird-Hassell, Emily Genova, Mick Gaw and Yezen Saadah
• March 29, 2024
Q&A: Filmmaker Neo Sora on capturing Ryuichi Sakamoto’s final performance
WSN spoke with director Neo Sora about his latest film “Ryuichi Sakamoto | Opus,” the late musical icon’s last recorded concert.
Mick Gaw, Film & TV Editor
• March 15, 2024
Staff Recs: Who runs the world?
Our favorite feminist media to carry you into this Women’s History Month cultured and empowered.
Clara Scholl, Stephanie Wong, Mick Gaw, Alexa Donovan and Julia Diorio
• March 8, 2024
The case for Charles Melton
As the 96th Academy Awards ceremony closes in, the exclusion of the “May December” star from this year's nominations is one of the most egregious snubs in the Academy’s history.
Mick Gaw and Stephanie Wong
• March 1, 2024
Off the Radar: Redefining national images in ‘The Scent of Green Papaya’
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “The Scent of Green Papaya” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Mick Gaw, Film & TV Editor
• February 9, 2024
Off the Radar: ‘24 City’ and building over the ashes of industry
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “24 City” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Mick Gaw, Film & TV Editor
• February 2, 2024
Staff Recs: Mwah!
WSN’s Arts Desk spotlight their favorite swoon-worthy books, tunes and films to celebrate this Valentine’s Day.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong
• February 1, 2024
5 NYC movies to get you excited about being back on campus
The best movies for living your main-character life.
Julia Diorio, Mick Gaw and Alexa Donovan
• January 31, 2024
Staff Rants: New beginnings or old complaints?
WSN staff shares their thoughts on the beginning of the 2024 spring semester.
Julia Diorio, Molly Koch, Abi Rivera, Yezen Saadah, Ania Keenan, Mick Gaw, Carmo Moniz and Krish Dev
• January 30, 2024
Q&A: Brazilian filmmaker Kleber Mendonça Filho on the changing tides of cinema
WSN spoke with Mendonça about his latest project, “Pictures of Ghosts,” a documentary that captures film culture in flux.
Mick Gaw, Film & TV Editor
• January 26, 2024
Off the Radar: Ramen, ambition and love in ‘Tampopo’
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “Tampopo” is available to stream on Kanopy and Max.
Mick Gaw, Film & TV Editor
• January 26, 2024
Staff Recs: la fin.
Join WSN’s Arts Desk in celebrating some of this year’s artistic triumphs.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong
• December 4, 2023
Staff Recs: Caw-caw!
WSN’s Arts Desk shares their fowl-themed favorites.
Julia Diorio, Mick Gaw, Stephanie Wong, Alexa Donovan and Clara Scholl
• November 2, 2023
Q&A: Isabel Sandoval on cinematic desire and artistic ambition
Recently inducted as the 2023-24 artist-in-residence for NYU’s Asian/Pacific/American Institute, Isabel Sandoval talks about sensual cinema and politics in film.
Mick Gaw, Film & TV Editor
• October 23, 2023
The case against ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’
Following the release of “Killers of the Flower Moon,” it is time to re-evaluate Scorsese’s acclaimed Jordan Belfort biopic.
Mick Gaw, Film & TV Editor
• October 23, 2023
NYFF 61 Review: ‘Poor Things’ comedically and hauntingly explores self-liberation
Yorgos Lanthimos’ newest film is a dark comedy featuring breathtaking production design and stellar ensemble. “Poor Things” is screening at the 61st New York Film Festival on Oct. 12 and Oct. 15.
Mick Gaw and Yezen Saadah
• October 12, 2023
Staff Recs: BOO!
With the Halloween season officially starting, WSN’s Arts Desk highlights books, songs and more to get you in the holiday spirit.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong
• October 2, 2023
WSN’s guide to the 61st New York Film Festival
In anticipation of this year’s New York Film Festival, WSN has put together a list of must-see movie premieres you will want to secure tickets for before they sell out.
Mick Gaw, Film & TV Editor
• September 25, 2023
Review: ‘Farewell My Concubine’ restoration upholds film’s undying legacy
In celebration of the film’s 30-year anniversary, Film Movement’s uncut, 4K restoration breathes new life into a modern classic.
Mick Gaw, Film & TV Editor
• September 21, 2023
Staff Recs: How to romanticize the start of a new term
WSN’s arts editors spotlight a range of media to help you fight those back to school blues and start your semester right.
Julia Diorio, Alexa Donovan, Mick Gaw, Clara Scholl and Stephanie Wong
• September 5, 2023
Review: ‘De Humani Corporis Fabrica’ cuts deep into the human body
In their latest documentary feature, Véréna Paravel and Lucien Castaing-Taylor bring viewers on a transformational journey of human anatomy. “De Humani Corporis Fabrica” is currently showing at the IFC Center.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• May 1, 2023
Off the Radar: 6 minutes of masks and fascism in ‘The Fall’
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “The Fall” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• April 28, 2023
Old School Kung Fu film festival returns to NYC
A collaboration between Subway Cinema, Metrograph and the Taipei Cultural Center, the Old School Kung Fu Fest is a curated series of rare and iconic films in the Taiwanese wuxia genre. Tickets are available on the Metrograph website.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• April 21, 2023
Review: The sobering reality of exile in ‘Tori and Lokita’
In their latest film, the Dardennes bring attention to the tragic reality of the European immigration crisis and its effects on a young generation of exiles fighting for a new life.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• April 12, 2023
Remembering sonic pioneer, cinematic legend and outspoken activist Ryuichi Sakamoto
Ryuichi Sakamoto had one of the most influential runs in the global music industry, establishing himself as an iconic film composer and a luminary in the electro-pop genre.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• April 12, 2023
Off the Radar: Searching ‘High and Low’ for common humanity
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “High and Low” is available to stream on Kanopy and NYU Stream.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• March 31, 2023
Off the Radar: Lessons on how to film ‘The Act of Killing’
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “The Act of Killing” is available to stream on Kanopy and NYU Stream.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• March 10, 2023
Review: Carnage and cannon fire in ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’
Nominated for nine Academy Awards, Edward Berger’s adaptation of “All Quiet on the Western Front” laments the lives lost to the folly of war. “All Quiet on the Western Front” is available for streaming on Netflix and is showing in select theaters.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• March 8, 2023
Review: ‘Argentina, 1985’ and the legacy of a landmark anti-fascist trial
Nominated for best international feature film, Santiago Mitre’s “Argentina, 1985” depicts a monumental event in Argentine and international legal history. The film is showing in select theaters and streaming on Amazon Prime.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• March 7, 2023
Review: ‘Return to Seoul’ explores the tragic reconciliation of adopted identities
Initially released at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, Davy Chou’s film is a moving drama that captures the thrills and confusion of navigating adulthood through the eyes of a Korean adoptee.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• February 27, 2023
Off the Radar: Jungles, love and phantoms in ‘Tropical Malady’
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “Tropical Malady” available to stream on Kanopy and NYU Stream.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• February 24, 2023
Review: The 4K restoration of ‘Suzhou River’ enhances a fleeting urban fairy tale
Strand Releasing’s 4K restoration of Lou Ye’s arthouse romance “Suzhou River” gives new life to a modern classic, while retaining the film's gritty essence. ‘Suzhou River’ began its theatrical run at Film Forum this Friday, Feb. 17.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• February 22, 2023
Review: ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ restoration immortalizes a masterpiece
The 4K restoration of Ang Lee’s monumental martial arts classic “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” by Sony Pictures Classics further cements the film’s indelible legacy. The film will be playing in select theaters starting Feb. 17.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• February 17, 2023
Off the Radar: ‘Lessons of Darkness’ in the chaos of the Gulf War
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “Lessons of Darkness” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• February 3, 2023
Celebration of Black cinema and civil rights in America: ‘Malcolm X’ turns 30
Three decades ago since its release, the Brooklyn Academy of Music hosted a screening for Spike Lee’s “Malcolm X” to commemorate the legacy of the film and the enduring memory of the civil rights activist.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• December 9, 2022
Off the Radar: ‘Manila in the Claws of Light’ dissects a city under the pressure of tyranny
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “Manila in the Claws of Light” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• December 2, 2022
Review: ‘EO’ and a donkey’s odyssey across Europe
“EO” centers around a donkey’s experience in captivity, interactions with various sects of society, and eventual journey to liberation. “EO” is currently playing at Film Forum.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• November 21, 2022
Off the Radar: ‘News from Home’ captures urban solitude and fleeting memories
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “News from Home” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• November 11, 2022
Film Forum hosts ‘New Waves,’ a retrospective of New Taiwanese Cinema
“New Waves: Rediscovering Taiwanese Cinema of The 1980s” is a curated series of rare gems and classic films from this revolutionary period in film history. Tickets are available at the Film Forum box office and on their website.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• November 9, 2022
NYU’s 10th Reel China Biennial envisions promising future for independent Chinese cinema
The Tisch Cinema Studies Department, the Asian Film & Media Initiative, and the Center for Religion and Media co-presented the first Reel China festival since the start of the pandemic.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• November 8, 2022
Off the Radar: Black vampire myths and addiction in ‘Ganja & Hess’
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “Ganja & Hess” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• November 4, 2022
Off the Radar: ‘The House That Jack Built’ attacks the cultural cult of the serial killer
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “The House That Jack Built” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• October 28, 2022
Off the Radar: ‘Lucky Grandma’ and the spirit of Chinatown
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “Lucky Grandma” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• October 21, 2022
Off the Radar: ‘Belladonna of Sadness’ paints a vivid feminist nightmare in watercolor
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “Belladonna of Sadness” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• October 7, 2022
Off the Radar: ‘The Kid With a Bike’ tackles the violent consequences of abandonment
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “The Kid With a Bike” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• September 30, 2022
Review: ‘Infernal Affairs’ trilogy restoration reinvigorates a Hong Kong classic
Even two decades later, Janus Films’ restoration of the iconic “Infernal Affairs” trilogy reminds audiences that its messages are pertinent more than ever.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• September 28, 2022
Off the Radar: ‘Tokyo Drifter’ reinvents the Yakuza Film
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “Tokyo Drifter” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• September 15, 2022
Off the Radar: ‘Breaker Morant’ shatters illusions of benevolent empires and noble wars
Off the Radar is a weekly column surveying overlooked films available to students for free via NYU’s streaming partnerships. “Breaker Morant” is available to stream on Kanopy.
Mick Gaw, Staff Writer
• September 8, 2022
Aashna Miharia, News Editor • December 9, 2024
Ella Sabrina Malabanan, Staff Writer • December 9, 2024
Maggie Turner, Contributing Writer • December 9, 2024
Sara Sharma, Staff Writer • December 9, 2024
Luke Adelson-Yan, Contributing Writer • December 9, 2024