I reviewed it for my local paper:
2024 * PG-13 * 2h 7m. “The Six Triple Eight” is the latest offering from the talented writer/director Tyler Perry (“Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” “Gone Girl). It’s an epic tale of heroism that took place during the later part of World War Two. The events depicted in the movie transpired over eighty years ago, so why did it take so long for the story to get told? Sure, it’s a bit cheesy at times. Somewhat overly dramatic. The acting is a little weak in some spots, and there’s some corny romance thrown in. But ultimately, it’s a rousing, inspiring movie that simply needed to be made.
When we’re introduced to the lead character Lena Derriecott King (Ebony Obsidian), she’s being courted by Abram David (Gregg Sulkin). She’s a black girl from a working class household and he’s a white Jewish boy from a very wealthy family. It’s set in the 1940s, so it’s not surprising their families don’t exactly encourage their budding relationship.
Abram, like so many young men at the time, decides to do his duty for the country and enlists in the Army Air Corps. It’s not long after signing up that he’s shot down and killed. Needless to say, Lena is absolutely devastated. She decides she has nothing else to lose and enlists as well. Lena’s assigned to the 6888th Battalion of the Women’s Army Corps, which is under the lead of Major Charity Adams (Kerry Washington), a strict disciplinarian who will accept nothing less than the best from her troops. Ms. Washington really shines here and turns in one of her finest performances to date. She’s strong, resilient, and has no problem standing up to her racist, sexist superiors.
We then meet the mother of two soldiers who’s distraught that she hasn’t heard from them in ages. She decides to take action and waits at the gate of the White House, hoping to meet with President Roosevelt. After two days, her vigil is brought to the attention of Eleanor (Susan Sarandon) and she’s brought in to meet with her and the president, played by Sam Waterston. They appoint Mary McLeod Bethune (Oprah Winfrey) to look into the matter. When it’s revealed that there are over 17 million undelivered letters in storage, and that they’ve been given low priority, it’s time to take action. The lack of communication between soldiers and their families is causing low moral for the country and it’s imperative to do something about it to help win the war.
The assignment to tackling the backlog is given to the 6888th. They become the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and are transferred to Glasgow, Scotland. Here they face numerous obstacles. They’re housed in a dilapidated school, which they’re responsible for repairing to make it habitable. Then there’s the daunting, no, impossible task of sorting out and redirecting the massive backlog of letters. The sheer volume alone is incredible but it also involves differentiating the countless soldiers with the same names. Plus the fact that the location of said soldiers is top secret, in case the information got into enemy hands.
But the women prove to be more than up to the job. They use some ingenious and creative thinking to leap over the roadblocks. What’s more, Major Adams has to deal with General Holt (Dean Norris). He’s sexist and a detestable bigot—you can’t help but despise him. His actions almost make you wonder just whose side he’s on. Adams confronts him time and again and even welcomes him to court martial her, she’s so convinced in her innovative methods to get the mail flowing. He’s just one of her superiors who make her job difficult.
The troops were given a deadline of six months to sort out all the mail. Amazingly they accomplished the job in only 90 days! “The Six Triple Eight” will have you practically jumping out of your seat more than once, as you root for the women to succeed. It’s aided by a rousing, uplifting score by Aaron Zigman. And it was written by Tyler Perry. So, while it was a bit clichéd at times, it definitely shows he’s evolving as a filmmaker. If you’re looking for an inspiring WWII film, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
Note to parents: There is some mild swearing and racial slurs in the movie.
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