Review | The Six Triple Eight (Netflix)

“The Six Triple Eight is not without flaws but it tells a powerful and moving true story of unsung heroes. It’s a wonderful homage to the only Women’s Army Corp battalion of colour to serve in Europe during World War II.”

The Six Triple Eight is the latest film directed and written by Tyler Perry. this one is based on the article “Fighting a Two-Front War” by Kevin M. Hymel. It stars Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Dean Norris, Sam Waterston, Susan Sarandon and Oprah Winfrey. The film releases tomorrow on Netflix.

HONOURING UNSUNG HEROES

(L-R) Sarah Jeffrey as Dolores Washington, Pepi Sonuga as Elaine White, Milauna Jackson as Captain Campbell, Moriah Brown as Inez, Shanice Shantay as Johnnie Mae and Ebony Obsidian as Lena Derriecott King in *The Six Triple Eight*. Cr. Laura Radford / Perry Well Films 2 / Courtesy of Netflix

Honestly, I didn’t know the story about the 6888th before watching this film. So, it was a real discovery. There have been so many films over the years about World War II, telling different stories from the front lines. But, seeing stories of people who thought on other fronts of this war is really important because they are heroes. One Life did that by telling the story of Nicolas Winton who helped rescue 669 children from Czechoslovakia before the start World War II. These are powerful stories that deserve to be told. The Six Triple Eight is one of them.

The contribution of Black women who served during World War II has been so often underrepresented but this film shines a light on what they did. In fact, it’s a wonderful homage. The 6888th is the only Women’s Army Corp battalion of colour to serve in Europe during World War II. Their mission was to sort the mail in order to deliver hope or closure to the soldiers and their families. Their achievement really did the difference in the war effort. It’s moving to see such an accomplishment, even more so when you realize the racism and sexism they had to face. Despite all odds, these women prevailed. This film shows what these women did but it also delves into the struggles they faced. Being in the army wasn’t easy and it was even more difficult for women of colour.

NOT WITHOUT FLAWS

(L-R) Milauna Jackson as Lt. Campbell and Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams in *The Six Triple Eight*. Cr. Bob Mahoney / Perry Well Films 2 / Courtesy of Netflix

I wouldn’t have picked Tyler Perry to tell a story like this considering his previous works and yet, he has proven that he can tell meaningful stories too. Even though, it’s not without flaws, it’s without any doubt Perry’s best work to date. He gives as much respect as he can to this topic. The story has heart, which is essential but Perry fails to prioritize certain things. In fact, the beginning spends too much time introducing Lena Derriecott and the end doesn’t spend enough time showing what was achieved.

Introducing Lena matters because she is the lead and what she goes through impacts her choices. Nevertheless, there are some scenes at the beginning that are not really needed. Furthermore, Major Charity Adams is in many ways as much the lead as Lena. Yet, she doesn’t get enough development. What we see of her is what she has to endure. What’s missing is who she is, the person behind the mask she had to put on in order to stand against systemic racism and sexism.

CAST

The Six Triple Eight‘s biggest strength is its amazing cast. Kerry Washington delivers a strong performance and is the real standout of this film. Oprah Winfrey, Sam Waterston and Susan Sarandon don’t have a lot of screen time but their roles are substantial ones and their presence is quite noticed. Dean Norris is also great as the despicable General Halt.

VISUALS

Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams in Six Triple Eight. Cr. Bob Mahoney / Perry Well Films 2 / Courtesy of Netflix

Moreover, this film mostly takes place behind the front lines and it does a good work at recreating those locations and the costumes. A lot of work has been put into this. However, when it comes to the front lines, it’s not the same thing at all. Indeed, the opening scene is a battle in Italy and the CGI is either unfinished or from twenty years ago. You can see the explosions and smoke recreated by computer. Using practical effects for this scene would have been a lot better.

There are also a few other scenes with planes that have that type of unfinished CGI. It’s a shame because these scenes take you out of the film for a little while. Having an opening scene like this isn’t the best of choice. It doesn’t send a good vibe to the audience. But, if you can get passed it and watch the rest of the film, then you will have a good time.

VERDICT

The Six Triple Eight is not without flaws but it tells a powerful and moving true story of unsung heroes. It’s a wonderful homage to the only Women’s Army Corp battalion of colour to serve in Europe during World War II.