We had high hopes for “The Six Triple Eight.” Higher hopes than we typically have for Tyler Perry productions. With a strong trailer, cast and a story backed by the unsung heroes of the 6888th Battalion, we thought it would be different than the filmmaker’s other work, especially since his writing had to stay within the confines of historical facts.
That partially happened, as some truly moving moments highlight the resilience and bravery of the only all-Black battalion of the Women’s Army Corps who served overseas during World War II, led by Major Charity Adams (Kerry Washington). “The Six Triple Eight” tells the story of how these women created a process to deliver thousands of pieces of backed-up mail and parcels to soldiers and their families during the war. The film is at its best when leaning into their story, sisterhood and how they overcame when faced with racism, sexism and adversity.
Where it falls short, however, is within the same tropes that often plague Perry’s work. Flat and stereotypical depictions of Black women distract from the story. The film spends too much time seesawing between the love stories Lena Derriecott (Ebony Obsidian) has with her late white lover who was killed at war and a Black soldier she meets while serving. Fleshing out the plot and characters with more depth and nuance would’ve been a more productive use of time.
Still, it is important that the 6888th Battalion’s story is being told. We just hope that it isn’t limited to this one film.
We break down our thoughts and reactions to “The Six Triple Eight” here.
Let’s Talk About The Cast And Their Performances
I will never not admire writer-director Tyler Perry for being able to get some of the most talented Black actors in Hollywood in his movies — despite many of the movies being quite bad. Oprah Winfrey. Kerry Washington. Sam Waterston. Susan Sarandon. Dean Norris. The problem is rarely ever the cast. In this case, that includes the lesser known prominent cast members like Ebony Obsidian, Shanice Shantay and Pepi Sonuga. The issue, as always, is the histrionic performances they’re likely directed to deliver. On one end, you have Obsidian as Lena melodramatically throwing her body over her special friend’s (I hesitate to call him her boyfriend, since she specifically says he is not) grave. On the other, you have each and every bad white person in the movie being so cartoonishly awful that it’s almost funny at times. And it shouldn’t be!…
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