by Chantal Ashford, Contributing Writer
I recently learned about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion through the trailer for The Six Triple Eight, which piqued my interest. I wasn’t previously aware of this remarkable group. However, I must admit that my expectations were not high, especially given that Tyler Perry wrote and directed the film. Unfortunately, my concerns were validated by the end.
The film aims to shed light on a significant yet lesser-known moment in World War II, highlighting the only all-Black and all-female battalion tasked with addressing a backlog of mail during the war. They faced the challenge of sorting over 17 million pieces of mail within six months, while confronting discrimination from their white male counterparts. This is a powerful theme of resilience and the fight against intolerance, demonstrating that individuals, regardless of race, can achieve great things.
Regrettably, the film doesn’t delve deeply enough into its fascinating subject matter. At just over two hours, there was be ample time to explore the characters and their experiences more thoroughly, but the film balked at the opportunity. Perry might benefit from collaborating with other writers to enrich the storytelling, as his focus on multiple projects may impact the depth of his narratives.
One shining aspect of the film is Kerry Washington’s performance as Major Charity Adams, who inspiringly leads her troops toward success amidst adversity. Washington’s commitment to the role stands out, even with the limitations posed by the script.
The supporting cast, including Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, and Shanice Shantay, also contribute positively to the film. However, Obsidian’s portrayal of Lena Derriecott King, a real-life figure with a poignant backstory, is underdeveloped. The subplot involving her character’s personal struggles adds emotional weight, but it’s somewhat misplaced, as not every story needs a love angle to resonate.
While Obsidian’s talent is evident, some of her emotional scenes are less genuine, and could have been better served by a more nuanced approach. It would have been nice to see her character express a broader spectrum of emotions beyond sorrow.
Despite these critiques, The Six Triple Eight tells an important story that deserves recognition. I genuinely wanted to appreciate the film, but I wished for a different creative approach to its storytelling.
Rating: It Was Just Okay
The Six Triple Eight is currently streaming on Netflix
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