Film Review: Tyler Perry’s Six Triple Eight Honors Unsung Heroes with Unforgettable Impact
- Sahndra Fon Dufe
- Jan 24
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 31
Tyler Perry’s Six Triple Eight delivers a long-overdue nod to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black, all-female unit that literally saved morale during World War II by ensuring millions of soldiers got their letters. Deployed to Europe in 1945 to clear an avalanche of undelivered mail, these women fought not just the postal backlog but the usual suspects: institutional racism and sexism. Perry finally brings their story to the screen with his signature blend of reverence, grit, and a clear reminder that Black women have always been handed the impossible then told to smile through it, then and now, 80 years later.
Plot: A Story That Desperately Needed Telling
The plot of Six Triple Eight follows the battalion’s deployment to England and later France, where they were tasked with clearing a ridiculous backlog of over 17 million pieces of mail. Yes, you read that right—17 million. But it’s not just the sheer size of the job that makes this story remarkable; it’s how the film captures the grit of real-life heroines like Major Charity Adams, Lieutenant Colonel Harriet West, and the fiercely determined Johnnie Mae. Tyler Perry, thankfully, avoids turning the film into a melodrama. Instead, he lets the staggering weight of their mission—and the systemic racism and sexism they battled along the way—do all the heavy lifting. It’s a story about resilience, camaraderie, and the simple but profound truth that Black women have always done the impossible, with or without instititutional recognition.
Cast and Stellar Performances
The cast delivers powerhouse performances across the board. Kerry Washington, in the role of the battalion’s leader, Major Adams is simply magnetic. Her monologue confronting her skeptical and racist supervisor Dean Norris (as General Halt) is an emotional gut punch, epitomizing both the frustration and pride of Black women navigating hostile environments.Supporting performances from seasoned actors like Oprah Winfrey, Sam Waterson, Susan Sarandon and rising stars inject warmth and depth into the film. Each character feels fully realized, from the stern officers to the vibrant soldiers sharing laughter and heartbreak in equal measure.
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Talent to WATCH! Hello, Rising STARS!
Among the breakout stars of Six Triple Eight, Shanice Shantay shines as Johnnie Mae, a character who channels echoes of Harpo’s resilience and tenderness, reminiscent of the iconic performances by Oprah Winfrey and Danielle Brooks in The Color Purple. Shanice brings depth and non-cliche charm to Johnnie Mae, blending humor and strength that leaves a lasting impression. Alongside her, rising talents like Ebony Obsidian (as Lena Darriecott King), Sarah Jeffrey (as Dolores Washington) and Milauna Jackson (as Captain Campbell) also deliver standout performances, commanding attention in scenes that highlight both the camaraderie and individual struggles of the women. These emerging stars hold their own in a cast filled with heavyweights, proving they are forces to watch in Hollywood.
Historical Accuracy: A Respectful Homage
One scene that really grabbed my attention was when the battalion arrives in Paris after harsh conditions on the boat, and are forced to march under “orders.” The audience is shown photos of the real march in (in 1945). In this way, Perry’s attention to historical detail elevates Six Triple Eight beyond just storytelling—it’s an act of preservation. The uniforms, settings, and even the procedural intricacies of handling the avalanche of undelivered letters are meticulously depicted. Shout out to the art department and costume designer, Karyn Wagner. The film doesn’t shy away from showcasing the blatant racism these women endured within the military, painting a vivid picture of their perseverance against both societal and institutional barriers.
Iconic Moments and Cinematic Highlights- may include some Spoilers!
From dorm confessions to the bathroom meetups where the women swap whispered dreams (and maybe a little tea) to the glamorous ball-dancing scene that gives Bridgerton a run for its money, Six Triple Eight delivers a string of standout moments. The impossible monologue? Goosebumps. The scene where the women clap for their captain? Inspiring. And let’s not forget the jaw-dropping moment at the airport when white soldiers realize these women are the 6888th and break into applause. About time. Then there’s the ingenuity of creating makeshift salons out of nothing, where they bonded over hair, hopes, and hygiene. But perhaps the most unexpectedly brilliant touch is the use of their femininity as quiet power—like identifying scents and textures in letters to make sense of chaos. Ingenious? Yes. A subtle jab at stereotypes? Also, yes.
Perry’s direction feels elevated, with dynamic camerawork capturing both the grandeur of war-torn Europe and the intimacy of the battalion’s barracks. His use of light and shadow in scenes where the women reflect on their lives back home creates an almost poetic visual language.
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Themes: Black Women Shouldering the Burden
At its core, Six Triple Eight is a tribute to the unyielding strength of Black women. The battalion’s task may have been to clear a mail backlog, but the film makes clear the broader context—they were clearing a path for future generations. The story underscores the dual battles these women fought: against an enemy abroad and against prejudice at home.
The film doesn’t sugarcoat the indignities they faced, but it also doesn’t rob them of joy. Their laughter, friendship, and quiet acts of defiance remind us that even in the hardest times, there is room for beauty and connection.
Subplot with the woman who’s still alive- the war story!
From the intimate moments in makeshift salons where the women bond over hair and whispered dreams, to the tense confrontations with bigoted superiors, Six Triple Eight is filled with unforgettable scenes. A standout is the use of femininity as a subtle power: scenes where the women identify scents and textures in letters are both ingenious and deeply humanizing.
Memorable Lines and Moments
One of the most poignant lines comes from Kerry Washington’s character:"You don’t want us here, but you need us here. And every time you ignore us, we get louder. Louder until you can’t hear anything else."
AYE- MELANIN
This scene is a chocolate bouquet of delicious melanin, and the dialogue, even better!
Talent to WATCH!
Among the breakout stars of Six Triple Eight, Shanice Shantay shines as Johnnie Mae, a character who channels echoes of Harpo’s resilience and tenderness, reminiscent of the iconic performances by Oprah Winfrey and Danielle Brooks in The Color Purple. Shanice brings depth and charm to Johnnie Mae, blending vulnerability with quiet strength that leaves a lasting impression. Alongside her, rising talents like Amanda Warren and Milauna Jackson also deliver standout performances, commanding attention in scenes that highlight both the camaraderie and individual struggles of the women. These emerging stars hold their own in a cast filled with heavyweights, proving they are forces to watch in Hollywood.
Our Take | Final Thoughts: Tyler Perry’s Best Yet, Kerry’s Best YET!
With Six Triple Eight, Tyler Perry delivers a film that is as informative as it is inspiring. It’s a celebration of unsung heroes who changed history, a masterclass in storytelling, and a showcase of Black excellence. The film not only cements Perry’s place as a serious filmmaker but also honors the legacy of the women who refused to be overlooked.
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