Netflix WWII drama ‘The Six Triple Eight’ is a great story told quite well

The six triple eight
3 out of 5 stars
Director: Tyler Perry
Authors: Tyler Perry, Kevin Hymel
Cast: 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 color unit of the Women’s Army Corps that served overseas during World War II. With 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 World War II, along comes a movie like “The Six Triple Eight.” I hadn’t really given much thought to postal delivery during wartime. Apparently neither had the US Army, as thousands and thousands of letters to and from the front lines gathered dust in a high school in Europe.

It is not until Eleanor Roosevelt is made aware of the situation that a plan is put in place. A Black Women’s Army Corps is tasked with sorting the mail and getting it delivered to the soldiers and their families back home. It is a task they are expected to fail. History tells a different story when 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 slides 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 hidden in well-padded gloves to soften the blows.

I’m not very familiar with director/co-writer Tyler Perry’s work. I know him more by reputation. I think I’ve only seen one of his movies. Perhaps 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 does not disappoint as May. Adams. Her co-stars are incredibly receptive. The cinematography is fine, the story moves at a decent pace, the script is definitely coherent, and it’s a must-know story. I think it could be better told in a film that dares to go deeper below 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 an important piece of history to see.