The Six Triple Eight
3 out of 5 Stars
Director: Tyler Perry
Writers: Tyler Perry, Kevin Hymel
Starring: Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Shanice Shantay
Rated: PG-13 for language, including racial slurs, thematic material and some war violence.
Synopsis: “The Six Triple Eight” is inspired by the first and only Women’s Army Corps unit of color to serve overseas in World War II. Given an extraordinary mission and united in their determination, these unsung heroes delivered hope and shattered barriers.
Review: Just when you think you know everything about WWII, a film like “The Six Triple Eight” comes along. I hadn’t really given much thought to mail delivery during wartime. Apparently, the U.S. Army hadn’t either, as thousands upon thousands of letters to and from the frontlines gathered dust in a grammar school in Europe.
It isn’t until Eleanor Roosevelt is made aware of the situation that a plan is put into place. A Black Women’s Army Corps is given the task of sorting out the mail and getting it delivered to the soldiers and their families at home. It is an assignment they are expected to fail. History tells another tale as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion made history as the only all-Black and all-female battalion to serve overseas in the war.
While it never slips to the level of a Hallmark or Lifetime teledrama, “The Six Triple Eight” is probably less abrasive than it needs to be. Racism and sexism are present throughout, but when the film throws punches, they come from fists concealed in well-padded gloves to soften the blows.
I’m not overly familiar with director/co-writer Tyler Perry’s work. I know him more by reputation. I think I’ve only watched one of his films. Maybe this is as heavy and dark as Perry is willing or able to go.
The performances are strong. I always enjoy watching Kerry Washington and she doesn’t disappoint as Maj. Adams. Her co-stars are incredibly amenable. Cinematography is fine, the story moves at a decent pace, the script is certainly coherent, and it is a story that needs to be known. I think it could be told better in a film that dares to go deeper beneath the surface and into the hearts of these incredible women who, despite being almost completely unheralded, changed the course of history by improving morale at home and abroad. How much history would have been lost if they had failed? Would the war have gone in a different direction? I think so.
I recommend watching “The Six Triple Eight” on Netflix. If you can get past the film’s soft touch, there is a important slice of history to behold.
Netflix’s new WWII drama, “The Six Triple Eight,” tells the remarkable story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black female unit tasked with sorting and delivering mail for the millions of American soldiers stationed in Europe during the war. The series shines a light on a lesser-known aspect of history and provides a much-needed perspective on the contributions of Black women during a critical time in our nation’s history.
While the show may not have the big-budget production values of some other war dramas, the storytelling is compelling and the performances are top-notch. The cast, led by Simone Missick, Jerrie Johnson, and Olaolu Winfunke, bring depth and authenticity to their roles, making it easy to become invested in the characters and their personal struggles.
“The Six Triple Eight” also does a commendable job of balancing the human drama with the historical context, providing viewers with a well-rounded understanding of the challenges faced by the women of the 6888th and the significance of their accomplishments. The series doesn’t shy away from addressing issues of racism and sexism, but it also highlights the resilience and camaraderie of the soldiers as they work together to overcome obstacles and achieve their mission.
Overall, “The Six Triple Eight” is a worthy addition to Netflix’s lineup of WWII dramas, offering a fresh perspective on a little-known chapter of history. It’s a great story told fairly well, and definitely worth a watch for anyone interested in learning more about the unsung heroes of the war.
Tags:
Netflix, WWII, drama, The Six Triple Eight, story, historical, military, women in history, African American history, discrimination, equality, diversity, streaming, entertainment, World War II, soldiers, war effort
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