Microwave Films debuted the pilot episode “The Strange Case of the Missing Red iPhone”, for a new series, Majuro 5-Oh, on April 30, 2024. Screenplay written by Jack Niedenthal, co-directed by Jack Niedenthal and Roger Mueller. With over 19,000 views, in the first three weeks, Jack Niedenthal and Microwave Films has delighted us with yet another film set in the Marshall Islands. A play on American television police dramas Hawaii Five-O and its modern reboot, Majuro 5-Oh follows Detective Lord, a dimwitted and incompetent detective, played by Roger Muller, and his demanding and persistent boss, MK, played by Save Filemoni.
Several notable people make special appearances including Netha Gideon’s well-known Lijimu and Hilary Hosia who plays the MIR General Manager. As reviewed by Wilmer Joel in the Marshall Islands Journal: Roger does a clever job in the leading role. It is hard not to laugh at his witty lines and facial expressions of boredom and annoyance. There’s a lot of good lines like when the MIR General Manager looks at Detective Rajah’s badge and asks: “So why does it say single and available?” Vivian Koroivulaono’s portrayal of the waitress at the Marshall Islands Resort, Bee Ajji, was convincing and hilarious: “What’s that old woman’s name who uses black magic on people?” And, of course, Lijimu who feigns innocence: “Lijimu gets blamed for everything. I don’t understand. All the time I go to church, I go and pray.” Jack Niedenthal, also, gives a strong and humorous performance as Bob Owens displaying his versatility as an actor, director, and filmmaker.
Jack Niedenthal is a filmmaker known for, among other things, writing, directing and producing short films and movies set in the Marshall Islands. Jack Niedenthal’s films are significant for their insider perspective and commitment to showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the Marshall Islands. His work often involves collaboration with local actors and communities, ensuring that the stories are told with authenticity and respect.
Jack first moved to the Marshall Islands as a Peace Corps volunteer in the 1980s and became deeply involved with the community. Niedenthal married a Marshallese woman and has since been an advocate for the Marshallese people, particularly in relation to the nuclear testing legacy. Jack stays constantly busy saying “to be sure, I am not retired, that will happen on the day of my funeral.” Since serving as Secretary of Health, Jack has been writing lengthy monthly columns for Pacific Island Times Magazines and a book about his experiences as Secretary.
His first productions include the short film Zori and full-length feature films Ña Noniep, Yokwe Bartowe, and Lañinbwil’s Gift (2009-2011). Much of Jack’s earlier work are dramatic stories explore the cultural folklore, history, nuclear legacy (The Sound of Crickets at Night) and climate change (Jilel: The Calling of the Shell). Working with Suzanne Chutaro who produced these films, Jack credits her brutal honesty for making him a better filmmaker and writer. His short films and collaborations have been more light-hearted like Zori, Batmon. and Batmon in Ebeye. Majuro 5-Oh promises to a fun production in this line of work.
You can watch the show on YouTube. (Donations towards production costs can be made to Microwave Films). We look forward to more adventures with Detective Lord.
