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The Six Triple Eight

Duration: 2:07
Rating
6.7/10
Title: The Six Triple Eight In the thick of World War II, an extraordinary battalion of 855 brave women known as the Six Triple Eight was assembled to tackle an overwhelming challenge. Tasked with the seemingly insurmountable mission of clearing a massive three-year backlog of undelivered mail, these determined women, stationed in a war-torn country, faced not only the chaos of conflict but also the harsh realities of racial and gender discrimination. Despite these obstacles, their relentless dedication and unwavering spirit allowed them to sort through an astonishing 17 million pieces of mail, ensuring soldiers far from home felt the comforting connection to their loved ones. Their unsung efforts became a pivotal morale booster, reminding everyone that even amidst adversity, determination could bridge distances and forge unity.

Directors

Direction: Tyler Perry

Script: Tyler Perry, Kevin Hymel

Main cast: Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson

Ticket office

Budget: $0 million

Box office: $0 million

Synopsis

Set against the backdrop of World War II, takes the audience on a gripping journey through the challenges and triumphs of the first African American Women's Army Corps unit. As the war rages on in December 1943, an American soldier stumbles upon a blood-soaked letter from a fallen pilot amidst a fiercely contested battle in San Pietro, Italy. This letter holds significant meaning, setting in motion a series of events that connect lives across continents.

The narrative weaves through the life of Lena (portrayed by Ebony Obsidian), a determined young woman from Philadelphia, whose world is turned upside-down by the sudden loss of her beloved Abram (Gregg Sulkin). Their love was blossoming, hindered by societal norms of the 1940s, but his death ignites a fire in Lena's heart to enlist after high school, despite her family's pleas to pursue academia. She embarks on her journey to basic training where she meets a group of spirited women who will become her allies and friends.

Under the guidance of the resolute Captain Charity Adams (Kerry Washington), the battalion endures rigorous training, facing institutional challenges and racial prejudices. News of mail undelivered from the war front to loved ones back home reaches the highest echelons, including First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt (Susan Sarandon). Driven by a mother’s poignant plea, the President and his advisers decide to trust this daunting task to Charity’s unit, known as the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

As the battalion arrives in Europe, they encounter the stubborn and racist General Halt (Dean Norris), who tests their limits with his dismissive attitude. Undeterred, they work tirelessly within the harsh confines of a neglected schoolhouse, transforming it into a full-fledged postal operation amid the grim surroundings. Despite myriad issues, from damaged locator cards to moldy letters, they prove their mettle with tireless dedication and a unique system that sees them clear a two-year backlog in a fraction of the time expected.

In between the rigors of their duty, Lena finds momentary solace and a tentative friendship with fellow soldier Hugh (Jay Reeve), yet she can’t help but be haunted by memories of Abram. Her determination and heartache symbolize the emotional core of their mission, encapsulated in the poignant moment when she finally receives a letter from her lost love, bringing her a sense of closure.

The women endure adversity not only from logistics but also from their own military, culminating in a tense showdown between Major Adams and General Halt over leadership disputes. Yet, the battalion's tenacity and success eventually quell the doubters. Their efforts are finally recognized in a heartfelt ceremony overseen by none other than Michelle Obama years later, paying homage to their unyielding spirit and contribution. Through laughter, tears, and perseverance, tells the remarkable, unsung story of these trailblazing women who overcame odds to serve their country with valor and dignity.

Argument

Set against the stark backdrop of San Pietro in December 1943, showcases an intricate mosaic of human desires, societal constraints, and the cruel theatre of war. An American unit, entrenched in a battle with German forces, foreshadows the broader story of disruption and communication breakdown. At the heart of this chaos is a poignant moment—a letter, drenched in the blood of a pilot who perished in a plane crash amidst the crossfire—an artifact of personal sacrifice and yearning for connection.

The essence of the narrative pivots to Philadelphia in the turbulent 1940s. It is here that Lena, embodied with grace and depth by Ebony Obsidian, and Abram, portrayed by Gregg Sulkin, grapple with their burgeoning romance amidst prevailing societal prejudices. The harmony of their affection is unfortunately shattered when Abram, soon after his enlistment, is claimed by war. Thus, Lena's path is irrevocably altered. In the face of her mother's and aunt's objections, who counsel her towards academic pursuits with the belief that African American women would only find roles as cooks or cleaners in the military, Lena's grief steers her towards enlistment, driven by both heartache and defiance.

As Lena embarks on her journey to Fort Oglethorpe, where basic training beckons, she finds camaraderie with fellow enlistees—Johnnie Mae Burton, Bernice Baker, Dolores Washington, and Elaine White. This diverse cadre of women becomes the foundation upon which the narrative builds its argument against prejudice and highlights the tenacity inherent in the human spirit. Under the demanding training of Captain Charity Adams and Lieutenant Noel Campbell, both portrayed with commanding presence by Kerry Washington and Milauna Jackson respectively, the women are prepared not only in their military duties but also to shatter the expectations placed upon them.

Yet, despite their rigorous training, the battalion languishes with no assignments, underscoring the systemic impediments they face. Lena's interactions with Private Hugh Bell spark personal interest, though her memories of Abram weave a complex emotional tapestry. When a mother from West Virginia petitions Eleanor Roosevelt regarding the stalled mail from war zones, the film transitions into a compelling examination of bureaucratic neglect and racial biases within military operations. This meeting, facilitated by the influence of Mary MacLeod Bethune, a seminal figure portrayed by Oprah Winfrey, catalyzes action, leading to the pivotal deployment of the 6888 Battalion, under Major Adams' command, to tackle the colossal backlog of undelivered mail amassed over two years.

The harsh conditions they encounter—their crossing to Europe aboard a private ship lacking military protection and subsequent billeting in a dilapidated, unheated facility in Glasgow—serve to highlight the ingrained discrimination faced by the battalion. Yet, it is within these adverse circumstances that their resolve and ingenuity shine. Major Adams, now a pivotal force of leadership, is vested with the herculean task of transforming a derelict school into an operational hub for sorting mail, and in doing so, the battalion not only confronts external challenges but also battles internal turmoil such as Lena's poignant breakdown over the mishandling of dog tags, a reminder of her lost connection to Abram.

Amid accusations of inefficiency and direct confrontations with General Halt, the battalion harnesses their teamwork and intelligence, despite the doubts cast by their male counterparts. The narrative further cements its argument for equality by showcasing the practical solutions and tireless dedication of these women, who surmount logistical challenges such as alias identification and postal deterioration to ensure messages reach their rightful recipients. The arrival of a disparaging chaplain tests their mettle only to be deftly handled by Major Adams’ assertive leadership, reinforcing the strength inherent within their ranks.

Through arduous effort, the battalion surmounts the bureaucratic and logistical obstacles, restoring tens of thousands of letters to anxious hands, a testament not just to their efficiency but also to their unwavering determination. The story poignantly crescendos when Lena receives the long-lost letter from Abram, enabling her to bid him farewell and find solace in his posthumous words.

The confrontation with General Halt, who threatens a court-martial in retaliation for their unorthodox triumph, underscores the entrenched biases they must overcome. Yet Major Adams’s unwavering resolve, resonating through her courageous defiance, ensures their victory isn't just over the backlog but against the very prejudices that sought to undermine them. Their remarkable achievement is recognized in the annals of history, though it took decades for proper acknowledgment to be bestowed, ultimately celebrated in a ceremony attended by Michelle Obama, cementing the legacy of the 6888 Battalion.

Thus, emerges not merely as a war story but rather a chronicle of perseverance and triumph over systemic injustice. Through its deft exploration of loyalty, love, and resilience, it argues persuasively for recognition and equality, emphasizing the intrinsic power of the human spirit to overcome even the most formidable adversities.

Cast

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington

Major Adams

Ebony Obsidian

Ebony Obsidian

Lena Derriecott King

Milauna Jackson

Milauna Jackson

Captain Campbell

Kylie Jefferson

Kylie Jefferson

Bernice Baker

Shanice Shantay

Shanice Shantay

Johnnie Mae

Sarah Jeffery

Sarah Jeffery

Dolores Washington

Pepi Sonuga

Pepi Sonuga

Elaine White

Moriah Brown

Moriah Brown

Inez

Jeanté Godlock

Jeanté Godlock

Vera

Dean Norris

Dean Norris

General Halt

Sam Waterston

Sam Waterston

President Roosevelt

Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon

Eleanor Roosevelt

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey

Mary McLeod Bethune

Gregg Sulkin

Gregg Sulkin

Abram David

Donna Biscoe

Donna Biscoe

Emma Derriecott

Baadja-Lyne Odums

Baadja-Lyne Odums

Susie

Jeffery Thomas Johnson

Jeffery Thomas Johnson

Colonel Davenport

Scott Daniel Johnson

Scott Daniel Johnson

General Lee

Multimedia

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