Behind the Scenes of History: A Review of The Six Triple Eight
Behind the Scenes of History: A Review of The Six Triple Eight
Introduction: The Forgotten Heroes of WWII
World War II has been the subject of countless books, movies, and documentaries. But some stories have remained hidden in the shadows of history for far too long. One such story is that of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black, all-female Army unit that served overseas during the war.
These brave women, often called the “Six Triple Eight,” faced not just the challenges of war but also the harsh realities of racism and sexism. Their incredible story of perseverance and dedication has largely been overlooked – until now.
Enter Tyler Perry’s latest film, “The Six Triple Eight.” This powerful drama brings to life the experiences of these unsung heroes, shining a spotlight on their courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to duty. It’s more than just a movie; it’s a long-overdue tribute to a group of women who changed history but were nearly forgotten by it.
The Film’s Vision and Tyler Perry’s Approach
Tyler Perry: From Madea to Military History
You might know Tyler Perry for his comedic Madea character or his dramatic TV shows. But with “The Six Triple Eight,” he’s taking on a whole new challenge. As the writer, director, and producer of this film, Perry is diving deep into a part of history that’s been largely ignored.
Perry’s no stranger to telling stories about strong Black women, but this time, he’s bringing a real-life tale of heroism to the big screen. His goal? To make sure these women’s sacrifices and achievements don’t go unnoticed any longer.
Inspiration Strikes: From Article to Big Screen
So, how did Perry stumble upon this incredible story? It all started with an article by Kevin M. Hymel called “Fighting a Two-Front War.” This piece opened Perry’s eyes to the amazing achievements of the 6888th Battalion.
But Perry didn’t stop there. He went the extra mile and connected with Lena King, one of the actual members of the battalion. Talking to her gave him firsthand insights into what these women went through. It’s this kind of dedication that helps bring authenticity to the film.
Balancing Act: Entertainment Meets History
Making a historical film isn’t easy. You want to tell a gripping story, but you also need to stick to the facts. Perry walks this tightrope carefully in “The Six Triple Eight.” He’s paid close attention to historical details – from the uniforms to the way people spoke back then. But he’s also made sure the movie isn’t just a dry history lesson. It’s a movie that aims to entertain while it educates.
The Storyline: A Mission Against All Odds
The Impossible Task
Imagine this: It’s 1945, and there’s a massive warehouse in Birmingham, England. Inside, there are millions of pieces of mail – letters, packages, all sorts of stuff meant for American soldiers fighting in Europe. The problem? This mail has been piling up for three years. Three whole years! That’s where our heroes come in.
The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion is given what seems like an impossible job: sort through and deliver 17 million pieces of mail. And they need to do it fast because, as their motto goes, “No mail, low morale.” These letters and packages aren’t just paper and ink – they’re lifelines connecting soldiers to their loved ones back home.
More Than Just Mail
But here’s the thing – sorting mail wasn’t their only challenge. These women had to deal with cold, damp warehouses that were prime targets for German bombers. They worked long hours in tough conditions. And on top of all that, they faced discrimination at every turn.
Remember, this was the 1940s. Segregation was still the norm, even in the military. These women weren’t just fighting to complete their mission; they were fighting for respect, for equality, for the right to serve their country just like anyone else.
Against the Clock
The brass gave them six months to clear the backlog. Six months to sort through 17 million pieces of mail. It seemed impossible. But these women? They didn’t just meet that deadline – they smashed it. They got the job done in just three months.
How did they do it? With smarts, determination, and teamwork. They created a system, working in three shifts around the clock. They deciphered incomplete addresses, tracked down soldiers who had moved around, and made sure each piece of mail found its rightful owner.
This wasn’t just about delivering mail. It was about boosting morale, about reminding soldiers that they hadn’t been forgotten. And in doing so, these women wrote themselves into history – even if that history took a while to recognize them.
Key Characters and Performances
Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams
At the heart of “The Six Triple Eight” is Kerry Washington’s portrayal of Major Charity Adams, the commanding officer of the 6888th. Washington, known for her powerful performances in shows like “Scandal,” brings Major Adams to life with a mix of strength and vulnerability.
Major Adams wasn’t just any officer. She was the first Black woman to become an officer in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps. Washington captures the weight of this responsibility, showing us a leader who had to be twice as good to get half the respect.
In one scene, we see Major Adams standing up to a white superior officer who questions her authority. Washington’s performance is electric – you can feel the tension, the anger just below the surface, and the steely determination to not back down. It’s moments like these that make the film more than just a history lesson; they make it a deeply human story.
The Ensemble: Bringing the 6888th to Life
While Washington’s performance anchors the film, the rest of the cast shines just as brightly. Ebony Obsidian and Milauna Jackson stand out as members of the battalion, each bringing depth and nuance to their roles.
Obsidian plays Private Dorothy Holloway, a young woman from Harlem who joins the Army to escape poverty. Her character arc, from a shy recruit to a confident soldier, is one of the film’s most touching storylines. Jackson, on the other hand, portrays Sergeant Heather Carter, a no-nonsense NCO who keeps the unit running smoothly. Her dry humor provides some much-needed light moments in the film.
Together, this ensemble cast brings the diverse experiences of the 6888th to life. They’re not just soldiers; they’re sisters, daughters, friends. They laugh together, cry together, and most importantly, they persevere together.
Star Power: Oprah Winfrey and Susan Sarandon
“The Six Triple Eight” also benefits from some serious star power in supporting roles. Oprah Winfrey makes a brief but impactful appearance as Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential educator and civil rights activist who played a crucial role in advocating for Black women in the military.
Susan Sarandon takes on the role of Eleanor Roosevelt, showcasing the First Lady’s support for the 6888th. In one pivotal scene, Roosevelt visits the battalion, lending her powerful voice to their cause. Sarandon captures Roosevelt’s warmth and determination, showing how even small gestures of support could make a big difference.
These performances by Winfrey and Sarandon add historical context to the film, reminding us that the 6888th’s story is part of a larger struggle for equality and recognition.
The Historical Context and Authenticity
The Real 6888th: More Than Just a Movie
While “The Six Triple Eight” is a dramatization, the real story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion is just as incredible. These women weren’t just mail clerks; they were pioneers breaking new ground in a segregated military.
The 6888th was formed in 1944 and was the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve overseas during World War II. They underwent rigorous basic training at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, before being deployed to Birmingham, England in February 1945.
After completing their mission in England in record time, they moved on to Rouen, France, where they tackled another backlog of mail. Throughout their service, they faced not just the challenges of their work but also discrimination and segregation.
Boosting Morale One Letter at a Time
It’s hard to overstate the importance of mail during wartime. For soldiers far from home, letters were a lifeline – a connection to loved ones, a reminder of what they were fighting for. By ensuring that mail reached its intended recipients, the women of the 6888th played a crucial role in maintaining troop morale.
They developed an intricate system to handle mail addressed to common names like “Junior” U.S. Army or “Buster” U.S. Army. They created and maintained a card catalog of nearly 7 million names to help identify soldiers who had similar names or had been transferred.
Bringing 1940s Europe to Life
One of the strengths of “The Six Triple Eight” is its attention to historical detail. The production design team has done an impressive job recreating wartime England and France. From the bombed-out buildings of Birmingham to the period-accurate uniforms worn by the cast, the film immerses you in the 1940s.
The filmmakers consulted with historians and veterans to ensure accuracy in everything from military protocols to the slang used by the characters. This attention to detail helps bring authenticity to the story, making the experiences of these women feel all the more real and immediate.
Themes of Resilience, Unity, and Legacy
Standing Tall in the Face of Adversity
At its core, “The Six Triple Eight” is a story about resilience. These women faced discrimination on multiple fronts – they were Black in a segregated army, women in a male-dominated field, and Americans in a foreign land. Yet they persevered.
The film doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities these women faced. There are scenes of them being denied service at local pubs, of white soldiers making derogatory comments, of superior officers doubting their abilities. But what shines through is the women’s unwavering commitment to their duty and to each other.
In one powerful scene, a member of the battalion is attacked by racist locals. Instead of retaliating with violence, the women stand together, using their unity as a shield against hate. It’s moments like these that highlight the true strength of these women – not just their physical endurance, but their moral courage.
Sisterhood in Uniform
Another key theme in the film is unity. Despite coming from different backgrounds – some from big cities, others from small towns; some educated, others not – these women formed a tight-knit community. They weren’t just a military unit; they became a family.
The film shows how they supported each other through homesickness, discrimination, and the pressures of their mission. They celebrated each other’s victories and comforted each other in times of sorrow. This sense of sisterhood was crucial to their success and their survival.
There’s a particularly touching scene where the women organize a secret birthday party for one of their own. It’s a small moment, but it speaks volumes about the bonds they formed and the humanity they maintained even in the midst of war.
A Legacy Finally Recognized
“The Six Triple Eight” isn’t just about what these women did during the war; it’s also about the legacy they left behind. For decades, their contributions went largely unrecognized. But in recent years, there’s been a growing movement to honor their service.
The film touches on this, showing glimpses of the women in their later years, still proud of their service but frustrated by the lack of recognition. It then fast-forwards to 2022, when the 6888th was finally awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor in the United States.
This long-overdue recognition serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of telling these overlooked stories. It’s not just about honoring the past; it’s about inspiring future generations by showing them examples of courage, dedication, and perseverance.
Tyler Perry’s Cinematic Style
A New Direction for Perry
“The Six Triple Eight” marks a significant departure from Tyler Perry’s usual fare. Known primarily for his comedies and melodramas, Perry steps into new territory with this historical drama. And it’s clear he’s put his heart and soul into it.
Perry’s directing style here is more subdued than in his earlier works. He lets the story and the performances take center stage, avoiding flashy camera work or overly dramatic scenes. Instead, he opts for a more classic, straightforward approach that suits the historical nature of the film.
Balancing Emotion and History
One of Perry’s strengths as a filmmaker has always been his ability to evoke emotion, and that skill is on full display in “The Six Triple Eight.” He strikes a delicate balance between the historical facts of the 6888th’s mission and the personal, emotional journeys of the characters.
There are moments of triumph, like when the battalion completes their seemingly impossible task ahead of schedule. But there are also quieter, more introspective moments – a soldier reading a letter from home, or two women sharing their hopes and fears for the future. These scenes give the film its heart, making the historical events feel personal and immediate.
The Power of Music
Music plays a crucial role in setting the tone of “The Six Triple Eight.” Perry has always had a knack for using music effectively in his films, and here he combines period-appropriate songs with a powerful original score.
The highlight is the original song “The Journey,” written by Diane Warren and performed by H.E.R. This stirring ballad captures the spirit of the 6888th, with lyrics that speak to their determination and sacrifice. It’s used sparingly in the film, making its appearances all the more impactful.
Reception and Impact
Critical Response: A Mixed but Mostly Positive Bag
As with many historical dramas, “The Six Triple Eight” has received a mix of reviews from critics. But the overall response has been largely positive, with many praising the film for bringing this overlooked story to light.
Variety called it “a stirring tribute to unsung heroes,” praising Perry’s direction and the ensemble cast’s performances. The Hollywood Reporter highlighted the film’s “emotional resonance,” noting that it succeeds in making a little-known historical event feel relevant and engaging.
Some critics have pointed out that the film occasionally veers into melodrama, a common criticism of Perry’s work. However, most agree that the importance of the story and the strength of the performances outweigh any minor flaws.
Audience Acclaim
Where “The Six Triple Eight” has really shone is in its reception by audiences. On platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, the film has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from viewers. Many have expressed surprise and dismay that they’d never heard this story before, praising the film for educating them about this important chapter in history.
Veterans and their families have been particularly moved by the film. Many have shared stories of their own relatives who served in World War II, expressing gratitude that the contributions of Black women are finally being recognized.
Inspiring a New Generation
Perhaps the most significant impact of “The Six Triple Eight” is its potential to inspire a new generation. By shining a light on these overlooked heroes, the film encourages viewers to seek out other untold stories from history.
Schools have begun incorporating the film into their curriculum, using it as a springboard to discuss topics like racial and gender equality, military history, and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Moreover, the film has sparked renewed interest in the real-life members of the 6888th. Several surviving members have been invited to speak at schools and community events, sharing their firsthand experiences with audiences eager to learn more.
Watch Six Triple Eight Trailer
Where To Watch Six Triple Eight?
You can watch Six Triple Eight on Netflix
Closing Reflection: Reviving Unsung Histories
As the credits roll on “The Six Triple Eight,” you’re left with a mix of emotions – pride in the achievements of these remarkable women, anger at the injustices they faced, and gratitude that their story is finally being told.
This film is more than just entertainment. It’s a powerful reminder of the countless untold stories that make up our history. The women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion didn’t set out to be heroes. They were simply doing their duty, serving their country in the best way they knew how. But in doing so, they broke barriers, challenged stereotypes, and paved the way for future generations.
“The Six Triple Eight” serves as a cinematic monument to their courage, determination, and humanity. It reminds us that heroism often comes in unexpected forms – not just on the battlefield, but in the quiet dedication to duty, in the unwavering commitment to service, in the bonds of sisterhood forged under the most challenging circumstances.
As viewers, we’re called to do more than just watch this film. We’re challenged to seek out other overlooked stories, to question the narratives we’ve been taught, and to recognize the contributions of those who have been pushed to the margins of history.
The story of the Six Triple Eight is a testament to the power of resilience. These women faced discrimination, danger, and doubt, yet they persevered. They completed their mission not just with efficiency but with excellence. In doing so, they didn’t just deliver mail – they delivered hope, connection, and a powerful message about what Black women could achieve when given the opportunity.
As we reflect on “The Six Triple Eight,” let’s carry forward the legacy of these remarkable women. Let’s honor their service not just by remembering their story, but by continuing their fight for equality and recognition. And let’s commit to seeking out and celebrating the unsung heroes in our own communities, ensuring that no story of courage and perseverance goes untold.
In the end, “The Six Triple Eight” is more than a movie. It’s a call to action, a reminder that history is made not just by those whose names we know, but by countless individuals who, in their own way, changed the world. It challenges us to look beyond the familiar narratives, to dig deeper into our shared past, and to ensure that the contributions of all are recognized and celebrated.
As Major Charity Adams and her battalion showed us, no task is impossible when we stand together, no barrier too high when we’re determined to overcome it. Their story, brought to life in “The Six Triple Eight,” serves as an inspiration for us all – a reminder of what can be achieved when we face adversity with courage, unity, and an unwavering commitment to duty.
So as you leave the theater or turn off your screen, carry with you the spirit of the Six Triple Eight. Let their story inspire you to face your own challenges with courage, to stand up against injustice, and to never underestimate the power of dedication and perseverance. For in honoring their legacy, we not only pay tribute to their remarkable achievements but also commit ourselves to building a more just and equitable future for all.