By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"With his latest movie,
"The Six Triple Eight," Tyler Perry demonstrates his versatility as a filmmaker, proving there is much more to his talent than just Madea comedies and over-the-top dramas.
Directed and co-written by Tyler Perry, "The Six Triple Eight" is based on
Kevin M. Hymel’s 2019 WWII History article "Fighting a Two-Front War." The film tells the inspiring, largely untold story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black, all-female unit that played a crucial role in World War II by sorting and delivering millions of pieces of mail to soldiers overseas.
Despite facing sexism, racism, and hostility from their male superiors, these women persevered, proving vital to troop morale during the war.
"The Triple Six Eight" centers on Captain (later Major) Charity Adams (Kerry Washington, TV's "Unprisoned"), the stoic leader of the battalion, tasked with overseeing the mission to sort more than 17 million pieces of mail. Washington gives an exceptional performance, portraying Adams' strength, and dignity as she battles systemic racism and challenges from within her own ranks. Dean Norris (TV's "Law & Order: Organized Crime") is great as usual this time as a racist general who undermines her authority, adding tension to the narrative.
While focusing on the larger historical context, the film also highlights personal stories, such as young recruit Lena Denniecott King (an excellent Ebony Obsidian, TV's "Sistas"), whose emotional journey adds a human connection to the women's mission. The stellar ensemble cast includes Milauna Jackson ("A Jazzman’s Blues"), Kylie Jefferson (TV's "Tiny Pretty Things"), (a fabulous Shanice Shantay, TV's "Perfect Harmony"), and Jay Reeves (TV's "All-American") among others.
Veteran actors such as Sam Waterston (TV's "Law & Order") as President Roosevelt, Susan Sarandon (The Fabulous Four") as Eleanor Roosevelt, and Oprah Winfrey ("The Color Purple") as Civil Rights activist and educator, Mary McLeod Bethune, elevate the film, lending it additional historical weight.
Diane Warren's song "The Journey," sung by H.E.R., provides a poignant ending as real images of the women appear during the credits.
"The Six Triple Eight" succeeds not only due to its compelling performances but also because it refuses to over-sentimentalize the story, instead highlighting the women’s resilience and intelligence.
Perry, often criticized for his past work, deserves praise here for making such a bold, heart-felt and significant historical film.
Currently in limited theaters,
"The Six Triple Eight" debuts on
Netflix Dec. 20.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Watch This Trailer For
"THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
