‘The Six Triple Eight’ Shines as a Riveting Docudrama

Grade: A+

With the advent of advanced mobile devices, it would seem archaic to display a film about snail mail from warriors in the Second World War. Tyler Perry, however, brushes off those notions and directs a picture which should land him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. I’m serious. And Kerry Washington must win the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. She exhibits being fierce, sensitive, brainy, and understanding. These are the kinds of heroes to be celebrated instead of those with capes, wings and utility belts on the big screen.

With the might of the supporting cast, the story places, ironically, on the sad but sweet love story between Lena and her childhood beau Abram. After his death, the film still focuses on her even though this is Miss Washington’s finest performance in a film. Though she is depicted not as the lead, she nonetheless received top billing.

As far as Mr. Perry is concerned, there is a clearer mind guiding this particular foray. In his war film, while there are brief scenes of battle, they do not overwhelm like Saving Private Ryan (1998). Much like his other dramas like The Family that Preys (2008) and The Jazzman’s Blues (2022), he’s only gathered the best cinematographer, composer, and editor for this movie.

As the film flows, it does well to show all the obstacles that the cast must face. From weight issues, to run ins with male soldiers, to a run down old school in Scotland, to rat eaten packages, and more, The script gets the women warriors up the tree, and they’re pelted with racism and sexism while most of them (but not all) struggle with grace down the tree into the history books, not everyone survives.

Of course there are bits of humor and levity. That balances out the weightiness of the largest and most costly war in human history. For an entire battalion of black women to be showcased in this light which shows more beauty than scars and scabs.

Dean Norris powers through his performance as General Halt. He is impeccable and a great foil to Washington’s character.

As the two square off in this battle of wits rather than bullets and bombs, there is a tension that is as taut as the string on the packages that the women process.

This film should be held in high esteem if not for anything but that it features no white savior. In 12 Years a Slave (2013) and Hidden Figures (2016), both films like The Eight Triple Eight powered by the thrust of actual people and situations, both of these films showed Brad Pitt and Kevin Costner as the rescuers of the black people. Though these two films exhibit excellence in their own ways, Perry’s production allows no white man to step in and save the day. That’s something to say for Hollywood movies. While he works with Hollywood professionals, the impresario has no problem within the studio system as he has his own.

This is an ensemble cast which features many youngsters at the time in their twenties playing women in their teens. Everything looks and feels genuine despite the age differences from actor to character.

If the film doesn’t leave a lump in your throat or tears in your eyes you should check your pulse. In the final scenes where the actual characters display Congressional awards and show that as of the filming of the picture, they are still going strong in life they give credence to the idea that they’re still up for a fight in their minds.

Objective observations:

The subtle way that the treatment of light skin and dark skin in the Women Army Corps is remarkable. While it is not explicit, the handling of this delicate subject receives excellent control.

All of the shots seem seamless and cinematic. The closeness of the women in the plane over the Atlantic and in the ship appear real even though they must have been shot in some soundstage in Georgia.

People should remember that this story originated from an article and a documentary by James Williams Theres.