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The Six Triple Eight

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The Six Triple Eight
Release poster
Directed byTyler Perry
Written byTyler Perry
Based on"Fighting a Two-Front War"
by Kevin M. Hymel
Produced by
  • Keri Selig
  • Carlota Espinosa
  • Tony Strickland
  • Angi Bones
  • Nicole Avant
  • Tyler Perry
Starring
CinematographyMichael Watson
Edited byMaysie Hoy
Music byAaron Zigman
Production
companies
Distributed byNetflix
Release dates
  • December 6, 2024 (2024-12-06) (United States)
  • December 20, 2024 (2024-12-20) (Netflix)
Running time
127 minutes[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The Six Triple Eight is a 2024 American war drama film written and directed by Tyler Perry, on the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black and all-female battalion, in World War II.[2] The film features an ensemble cast which includes Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Kylie Jefferson, Shanice Shantay, Sarah Jeffery, Pepi Sonuga, Moriah Brown, Gregg Sulkin, Susan Sarandon, Dean Norris, Sam Waterston and Oprah Winfrey.

The film is based on the 2019 magazine article "Fighting a Two-Front War", by Kevin M. Hymel, on the contributions of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black and all-female battalion, in World War II.

The Six Triple Eight was released in select cinemas on December 6, 2024, before its streaming debut by Netflix on December 20, 2024.

Plot

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A West Virginian mother waits every day for news about her two sons who are serving overseas. Meanwhile childhood friends Lena and Abram reckon with the difficulty of their budding romance (Lena is black and Abram is Jewish) in 1940s Philadelphia, as he prepares to deploy. Abram dies shortly after enlisting and a heart-broken Lena vows to enlist after her high school graduation.

On the train to basic training in Georgia, Lena meets other enlistees who will become her friends. There, the battalion is trained by Captain Charity Adams and Lieutenant Noel Campbell. Despite being well-trained, the battalion is never given any orders.

One day, the West Virginia mother travels to the White House to meet Eleanor Roosevelt and tells her that, across the country, no one is receiving mail from the war. President Roosevelt meets with two high-ranking officers, Mrs. Roosevelt, and Mary MacLeod Bethune to discuss the situation.

The general admits that mail is not being delivered but explains that, despite assigning several units to the job, including a women's unit, the task is a logistical nightmare, and they have to prioritize actual fighting. Bethune maintains, however, that the Black Women's Army Corps is up to the task, so Captain Adams' unit is finally given orders.

In Europe, the battalion faces a racist commanding officer who has the unit cross the ocean in a private vessel without a military escort. Then they are to march through town immediately upon landing, and assigned to a disused, rat-infested, unheated grammar school.

The newly promoted Major Adams and her second-in-command Captain Campbell are given six months to turn the school into a post office and barracks and clear a two-year backlog of undelivered mail. The deadline is intended to ensure their failure.

Once the battalion has toiled to put together a liveable barracks, pristine mess hall and well-organized mail sorting hall, one day Lena loses her composure upon seeing nonchalant handling of dog tags. Later, she breaks down to a few close mates, revealing her connection to Abram was her reason for enlisting. As she had not received any correspondence from him, she hopes to find some now. Major Adams, now knowing this first-hand response torward the mail blockage, feels inspired.

Along with a notification that their first two months of sorted mail was undeliverable, the battalion is asked to host African-American soldiers to boost morale. Lena sees Hugh there, who she had met previously. They start to dance, but she soon leaves upon recognizing a song she associates with Abram. So they decide to be friends.

When it is discovered that an occasional letter is opened, the battalion members point out various difficulties and challenges they face. These include multiple cases of identical names, multiple locator cards for soldiers as their units move, rats are damaging addresses and their contents and mold, among other things.

After President FDR passes, a white chaplain arrives, and delivers a sermon which undermines Major Adams' qualifications and morals. She promptly finds the extremely negative report he has written about her, has his things packed and sends him off.

On the day Lena gets Abram's letter, two women of their unit die from a UXB bomb en route back to the school. After their burial, Lena is able to visit his grave, reading his letter asking her to live a long life and finally gives him a proper goodbye.

General Holt visits the 6888, criticizing them harshly. As they work around the clock, the night shift is sleeping when he arrives. He is not allowed in the showers lest someone is showering. After Holt inspects the mail sorting area, he declares Major Adams incompetent and says he will replace her with a white male. Adams declares she will not step down.

As General Holt is trying to push Major Adams' court martial through, he hears cheers from his unit as their mail finally arrives. The 6888 successfully straightened out the backlog of two years or 17 million pieces of mail in just 90 days, despite the challenges. They were later sent to clear another backlog.

Not especially appreciated at the time on US soil, Michelle Obama oversaw a ceremony honoring the 6888. Also, US Army Base Fort Lee was renamed partially in Adams' honor. Lena later marries Hugh, living a long life.

Cast

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Production

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It was announced in December 2022 that Tyler Perry would be writing and directing the film Six Triple Eight for Netflix.[3] The film is based on historian Kevin M. Hymel's article, "Fighting a Two-Front War", published in the February 2019 issue of WWII History magazine.[4] In January 2023, the cast, including Kerry Washington, Sam Waterston, Susan Sarandon and Oprah Winfrey was announced, with Washington also joining as an executive producer.[5]

Filming began on January 17, 2023, in Atlanta.[6] Production also occurred in Little Germany, Bradford and at Imperial War Museum Duxford in February.[7][8] Filming took place in Cedartown, Georgia on March 28, 2023.[9]

Music

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The Six Triple Eight (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film)
Film score by
Aaron Zigman
ReleasedDecember 6, 2024 (2024-12-06)
Length53:59
LabelNetflix Music
Producer
Aaron Zigman chronology
Zigman: Émigré
(2024) 		The Six Triple Eight (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film)
(2024)

The film score was composed by Aaron Zigman, who had previously scored 13 Perry films, starting with Why Did I Get Married? (2007), in collaboration with music supervisor Joel C. High, film editor Maysie Hoy, and music editor Johnny Caruso.[10] For The Six Triple Eight, Zigman was influenced by the big band era, as well as composers Aaron Copland and Samuel Barber, with most of his creative process being done at the piano. The first cue written for the film was for the scene where the battalion come off the ship after arriving in Europe.[10] The Six Triple Eight (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film) was released digitally on December 6, 2024, through Netflix Music. "The Journey", the song that plays over the film's end credits, was written by Diane Warren and performed by H.E.R., who also played guitar and piano on the track.[11][12] The ballad was previously used to soundtrack ESPN's coverage of the 2023 NBA Finals.[13] A music video, featuring H.E.R. performing in concert intercut with clips from the film, was released in November 2024.[14] For the 97th Academy Awards, Zigman's score was shortlisted in the category of Best Original Score while Warren's "The Journey" was shortlisted in the category of Best Original Song.[15]

All tracks are written by Aaron Zigman.

The Six Triple Eight (Soundtrack from the Netflix Film) track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Trenches"2:55
2."Kiss Me"1:38
3."Mail Delivery"1:02
4."Abram Letter"1:52
5."Boarding the Train"1:15
6."Women Arriving at Camp"2:49
7."Capt. Adams Addresses the Troops"2:14
8."Eleanor Roosevelt"0:58
9."Gas Chamber"2:03
10."Mary McLeod Bethune Speaks"2:09
11."Training Montage"1:19
12."Movie Theatre Confrontation"1:29
13."Orders"0:54
14."Appropriate Accommodations"1:04
15."Flashback"0:50
16."Arriving in England"4:20
17."This Is Our Mission"1:25
18."Letters and Friendship"1:15
19."Lena, You're a Soldier"1:27
20."Jigsaw Puzzle"1:44
21."Evil Women"1:18
22."Lena Has a Realization"2:03
23."UEXB"0:51
24."Abram's Letter"1:12
25."Finding Abram"4:26
26."General Calls HQ"4:28
27."Bonus Track"4:27

Release

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In February 2024, Six Triple Eight was reported to be part of Netflix's 2024 release calendar, with a specific date yet to be announced.[16][17][18] In August 2024, Netflix announced that the film, now titled The Six Triple Eight, would be released in a limited theatrical release on December 6, 2024, with a streaming release two weeks later on December 20 on Netflix.[19]

Reception

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Critical reception

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On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 50% of 42 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.4/10.[20] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 51 out of 100, based on 14 critics, indicating "mixed or average" reviews.[21]

Film critic Peter Debruge from Variety gave it a positive review, writing: "The Six Triple Eight gives Perry his best and most substantial feature to date (only 2010's ensemble melodrama For Colored Girls comes close)... The film boasts a large enough cast to launch a dozen or so careers, and yet, one performance stands head and shoulders above the others: That would be Washington's forceful turn as Adams, who holds her own against arrogant white officers."[22] Frank Scheck from The Hollywood Reporter also gave it a positive review, praising Obsidian and Washington's performances.[23] Jesse Hassenger from The Guardian gave it 2/5 stars, writing: "Kerry Washington hams it up in the writer-director's stodgy ode to a battalion of women in the second world war who deserve far better".[24]

Accolades

[edit]
Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Ref.
Hollywood Music in Media Awards November 20, 2024 Original Score – Feature Film Aaron Zigman Nominated [25]
Best Original Song – Feature Film "The Journey" – Diane Warren; Performed by H.E.R. Won
Celebration of Cinema and Television December 9, 2024 Icon Award Tyler Perry Won [26]
African-American Film Critics Association February 19, 2025 Beacon Award Nicole Avant Honored[a] [27]

Notes

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  1. ^ Also for The Black Godfather

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The Six Triple Eight (12)". British Board of Film Classification. September 10, 2024. Retrieved November 28, 2024.
  2. ^ Jennie Rothenberg Gritz (March 2023). "Women Who Shaped History: How an All-Black Female WWII Unit Saved Morale on the Battlefield". Smithsonian Magazine. Archived from the original on February 23, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  3. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (December 14, 2022). "Tyler Perry Sets Next Film At Netflix: Six Triple Eight About Only All-Black Female WWII Battalion". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on January 11, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  4. ^ Galuppo, Mia (December 14, 2022). "Tyler Perry Sets WWII Movie 'Six Triple Eight' at Netflix". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 23, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  5. ^ Grobar, Matt (January 11, 2023). "Kerry Washington To Exec Produce, Star In Tyler Perry's Netflix WWII Pic Six Triple Eight; Sam Waterston, Susan Sarandon & Oprah Winfrey Among Others Set". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 27, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  6. ^ Steves, Ashley (January 6, 2023). "Now Casting: Tyler Perry's Six Triple Eight Needs Talent + 3 More Gigs". Backstage. Retrieved January 12, 2023.
  7. ^ Marano, Rebecca (January 31, 2023). "Six Triple Eight: New Netflix film starring Oprah Winfrey, Kerry Washington and Susan Saradon to be filmed in Little Germany, Bradford". The Yorkshire Post. Archived from the original on January 31, 2023. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  8. ^ Findlay, Cait (February 18, 2023). "Duxford is location for Netflix film Six Triple Eight featuring Oprah Winfrey". Cambridgeshire Live. Archived from the original on November 29, 2024. Retrieved November 1, 2024.
  9. ^ Stewart, Jeremy (March 28, 2023). "Tyler Perry shoots scenes for WWII-era movie in downtown Cedartown". Northwest Georgia News. Archived from the original on March 29, 2023. Retrieved March 29, 2023.
  10. ^ a b "Scoring "The Six Triple Eight": A Conversation with Aaron Zigman". Broadcast Music, Inc. December 6, 2024. Retrieved December 25, 2024.
  11. ^ Topel, Fred (November 2, 2024). "In 'The Six Triple Eight', H.E.R. Sings "Whitney Level" Song, Says Diane Warren – Sound & Screen Film". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 25, 2024.
  12. ^ Hammond, Pete (December 6, 2024). "'The Six Triple Eight' Review: Kerry Washington And Exceptional Ensemble Bring Honor To Tyler Perry's Stirring True WWII Story Of Black Female Army Unit". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 25, 2024.
  13. ^ Hiatt, Brian (May 18, 2023). "'I Was Afraid of This Song': H.E.R. on Her Big New Ballad". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 25, 2024.
  14. ^ Antunez, Bryan (November 26, 2024). "H.E.R. Debuts Music Video for Diane Warren-Penned 'Six Triple Eight' Song "The Journey" (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 25, 2024.
  15. ^ Davis, Clayton (December 17, 2024). "Oscars Shortlist Announced in 10 Categories: 'Emilia Pérez' and 'Wicked' Lead the Charge; Strong Showings for 'Dune 2' and 'Gladiator 2'". Variety. Retrieved December 25, 2024.
  16. ^ "Next on Netflix: Your Ultimate Guide to the Movies and Shows Coming in 2024". Netflix Tudum. February 7, 2024. Archived from the original on January 31, 2024. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  17. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 1, 2024). "Netflix 2024 Movie Slate: Titles From Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Jerry Seinfeld & Woody Woodpecker; 'Beverly Hills Cop 4' Sets Release Date". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on February 1, 2024. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  18. ^ Reynolds, Genell (February 1, 2024). "Netflix, Tyler Perry to tell the story of heroic Black servicewomen in WWII". KSDK. Retrieved August 9, 2024.
  19. ^ Grobar, Matt (August 28, 2024). "Netflix Unveils Premiere Date, Teaser, First-Look Photos For Tyler Perry's 'The Six Triple Eight'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 2, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  20. ^ "The Six Triple Eight". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved December 26, 2024. Edit this at Wikidata
  21. ^ "The Six Triple Eight". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved December 26, 2024.
  22. ^ Debruge, Peter (December 6, 2024). "'The Six Triple Eight' Review: A Battalion of Black Women Makes History in Tyler Perry's Best Film Yet". Variety. Archived from the original on December 7, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
  23. ^ Scheck, Frank (December 6, 2024). "'The Six Triple Eight' Review: Kerry Washington Commands Tyler Perry's Rousing World War II Drama for Netflix". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on December 7, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
  24. ^ Hassenger, Jesse (December 6, 2024). "The Six Triple Eight review – Tyler Perry's war movie is another bomb". The Guardian. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
  25. ^ Willman, Chris (November 6, 2024). "Hollywood Music in Media Awards Noms Led by 'Emilia Pérez' and 'Blitz,' With Elton John, Hans Zimmer and Scores More Among the Nominees". Hollywood Music in Media Awards. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
  26. ^ Hammond, Pete (September 26, 2024). "Critics Choice Association Sets Dates For Celebrations Awards Shows; Tyler Perry, Zoe Saldaña, Joan Chen First Honorees". Deadline. Archived from the original on October 7, 2024. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
  27. ^ Anderson, Erik (November 27, 2024). "AwardsWatch - African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Honorees: 'Nickel Boys,' 'The Piano Lesson' Filmmakers and Casts and More". AwardsWatch. Archived from the original on December 3, 2024. Retrieved November 30, 2024.
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