Filmmaking mogul Tyler Perry ventures to the military history genre for his latest feature film, "The Six Triple Eight," from Netflix. Per the norm, in addition to directing, Perry pens the film's script based on the 2019 WWII History magazine article "Fighting a Two-Front War" by Kevin M. Hymel.
Perry begins the film by describing a brief war scenario across the pond in the 1940s before coming back to the States and showing how wars affect those at home. Before we are introduced to our central protagonist, Major Charity Adams (played by Kerry Washington), we first meet Lena Derriecott King (portrayed by Ebony Obsidian), a young woman residing in Pennsylvania who is in a relationship with the Caucasian Abram (Gregg Sulkin).
Abram and Lena's mother and grandmother encourage her to pursue higher education. However, after he tragically loses his life in the war shortly after being deployed overseas, Lena makes an impulsive decision to enlist. She finds herself at a training camp located in Georgia.
As expected, Lena faces challenges adjusting to military life but soon bonds with fellow recruits who each embody typical character archetypes seen in wartime films. The narrative of "The Six Triple Eight" gains momentum when Kerry Washington's character of Major Adams steps into the spotlight, determined to transform these army recruits. They all manage to graduate from training camp, bringing her great joy when they receive orders for deployment to Europe.
Major Adams's excitement dims upon learning that their assignment involves sorting through countless undelivered mail—enough volume to fill multiple airplane hangars—that has been neglected for far too long, affecting soldiers abroad and their families back home.
Although this task may seem relatively trivial compared to broader wartime efforts, it has created significant issues regarding troop morale; however, the military considers it best addressed by women of color serving as soldiers. In time, the group develops clever new strategies for handling previously deemed undeliverable mail and dedicates themselves wholeheartedly to accomplishing their mission.
Primarily, the film centers around Washington and Obsidian, as their roles have the most depth. The other women in the platoon are solid, but none match the performance of our two leads. From a supporting standpoint, Dean Norris delivers a memorable performance as General Halt, who does not want to see the women succeed. Additionally, Oprah Winfrey makes a brief cameo as Mary McLeod Bethune, while Susan Sarandon and Sam Waterston portray Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, respectively.
"The Six Triple Eight" effectively addresses the emotional elements commonly found in war films, and even individuals with limited cinematic experience can anticipate the narrative developments. The film skillfully illustrates the emotional connections established through scenes where family members receive letters from their loved ones deployed overseas while the soldiers simultaneously engage in similar correspondence.
As the film draws close, it presents clips and images of actual individuals, prominently featuring former First Lady Mrs. Michelle Obama interacting with them. This conclusion elicits a sense of warmth and positivity, making it difficult for viewers not to smile.
While "The Six Triple Eight" may not secure Perry an Academy Award, the actual achievement of the film lies in its presentation of a lesser-known moment in history that genuinely deserved to be shared, and it executes this story with great integrity.
Final Grade: B
"The Six Triple Eight" is available to stream tomorrow on Netflix.
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