“The Six Triple Eight” is a war movie directed by Tyler Perry starring Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, and Dean Norris.
Tyler Perry’s “The Six Triple Eight” attempts to shed light on a little-known chapter of American military history. The film centers on the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female unit to serve overseas during World War II.
Set against the backdrop of a war-torn nation, the movie follows 855 African American women tasked with clearing a three-year backlog of 17 million letters destined for U.S. soldiers. Led by Major Charity Adams, portrayed by Kerry Washington, the battalion completes its mission in record time, ostensibly boosting troop morale.
The cast boasts notable names, including Oprah Winfrey as Mary McLeod Bethune, Susan Sarandon as Eleanor Roosevelt, and Sam Waterston as President Franklin D. Roosevelt. While the performances are competent, they struggle to elevate characters that often feel generic and underdeveloped.
Perry’s directorial approach favors crowd-pleasing elements over innovation. The film adheres to a conventional narrative structure, prioritizing inspirational moments and social commentary over deeper character exploration or cinematic artistry. This decision results in a tribute that, while well-intentioned, fails to break new ground in storytelling or historical representation.
Critical reception has been mixed. Some reviewers, like Peter Debruge of Variety, praise the film’s scope and its portrayal of the battalion’s impact. Others, such as Vikram Murthi of IndieWire, argue that the movie barely scratches the surface of its compelling subject matter. Despite these criticisms, “The Six Triple Eight” has garnered some industry recognition, including a nomination for Best Original Song at the 2024 Satellite Awards.
Ultimately, “The Six Triple Eight” succeeds in bringing attention to a group of women largely overlooked by history. However, its conventional approach and superficial treatment of complex themes limit its potential impact. While the film may satisfy viewers seeking an inspirational war drama, those looking for a more nuanced exploration of race and gender issues during World War II may find it lacking.
Where to Watch “The Six Triple Eight”
