‘The Six Triple Eight,’ directed by Tyler Perry, is trending on Netflix.
This film is based on the true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, and it is powerful and meaningful. It features Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams, Ebony Obsidian as Lena Derriecott, and Gregg Sulkin as Abram David.
This film is based on a true story of 855 black women in the Six Triple Eight Battalion. They joined the war to help with the three-year mail backlog. These women faced discrimination and war-torn conditions that can devastate them, but they continued to be strong and brave. They sorted over seventeen million pieces of mail in 90 days. This was the first all-Black women's battalion in the military.
Highs
This film's main highlight is Washington's powerful performance as Major Adams. She showed the strength of the first Black woman military officer. She believed in creating an all-Black women's battalion. Her courage showed women they should always stand up for themselves, no matter the cost. Adams was determined to fight the white officers for her battalion's recognition and respect. Washington’s portrayal of Adams was compelling and full of intense emotions of being discriminated against.
The historical importance of this film was high, considering it captured the truth behind the first all-Black women’s battalion. These women were under horrible conditions, sorting through mail to prove to the white officers that they were worthy. The women were determined to sort through millions of mail to send to soldiers and their families.
The portrayal from Obsidian as Lena was perfect. Her character was full of emotion and determination. She fell in love with Abram, a white Jewish man sent to the war to serve. This was uncommon, but their love was strong and beautiful. The chemistry between Abram and Lena was undeniable; their love for one another showed that regardless of race, it was possible.
This film beautifully captures the essential aspects of these women's pain. Perry profoundly directed it and delivered a powerful true story to the screen. It carries a necessary message to all black women that regardless of the discrimination they faced during WWII, these women never gave up. This film praises Black women who contributed to the military, which can be forgotten.
Lows
This film had minimal lows, considering it is based on a true story. The main low is the white officer General Halt (Dean Norris). His character was frustrating and unbearable. He discriminated against these women only because of the color of their skin, which created tension for the audience.
The other low was Abram David's lack of background. His character in the war was not seen as much, which took away from the love he and Lena experienced. In the film, what happened in the war and how he died was unknown.
Verdict
This is a crucial, meaningful film worth watching. It powerfully conveys how the first all-Black women's battalion came together.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10
