Catch Tyler Perry’s New Netflix WWII Film: A Must-See Reminder of the $236M Oscar-Nominated Cold War Biopic From 8 Years Ago

The Six Triple Eight shines a light on the remarkable achievements of a group of Black women who played a crucial role during World War II, demonstrating the importance of recognizing overlooked narratives in cinema. This film chronicles the unofficial mission of a battalion tasked with sorting and delivering over 17 million pieces of undelivered mail to soldiers and their families, illustrating the support efforts that took place away from the combat zones. While many renowned war films depict frontline action, there exist several outstanding productions that highlight lesser-known contributions, and The Six Triple Eight is firmly rooted in true events, aided by the voices of the women it portrays.

Featuring talented actresses such as Kerry Washington and Ebony Obsidian, with a cameo by Susan Sarandon as Eleanor Roosevelt, The Six Triple Eight provides a powerful narrative. While it takes some creative liberties with historical events, the film credits and honors the real-life women involved, even presenting one of the characters alongside her authentic counterpart. For those interested in a similar yet critically acclaimed film, there’s the 2016 production focused on three unsung NASA heroes during the Cold War, which garnered multiple awards and three Academy Award nominations.

The Connection Between The Six Triple Eight and 2016’s Hidden Figures

The Six Triple Eight Resonates with Real-Life Inspiration

Dorothy Vaughan presenting in Hidden Figures

Ebony Obsidian and Sarah Jeffrey in The Six Triple Eight

The Six Triple Eight cast in period clothing

Dorothy Vaughan leading her team in Hidden Figures

Common themes of perseverance and success amid adversity permeate both The Six Triple Eight and Hidden Figures. Featuring Black women who succeeded in predominantly male-dominated fields while confronting gender and racial discrimination, these films offer impactful representations of their struggles. Hidden Figures focuses on Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, and Taraji P. Henson as they navigate the challenges faced by three Black mathematicians contributing to NASA during the Space Race. Despite the serious issues depicted, the film maintains an uplifting tone, with resonant quotes that continue to inspire audiences today. Hidden Figures achieved nominations for both Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards, with Spencer earning a nomination for Best Actress.

In The Six Triple Eight, Ebony Obsidian portrays Lena Derriecott King, who expressed her heartfelt response to a rough cut of the film shared with her by Tyler Perry: “She was saluting the screen. She was laughing. But at the end of it, it was so powerful. She was in tears.”At 99 years old, Lena appears in the film to share her experiences. While she felt The Six Triple Eight accurately represented her memories, Hidden Figures is frequently noted for its artistic liberties despite its acclaim.

Why Hidden Figures Receives More Favorable Reviews Than The Six Triple Eight

The Six Triple Eight’s Notable Ending Scene Is Factually Inaccurate

Kerry Washington portraying Major Charity Adams in The Six Triple Eight

The mathematicians depicted in Hidden Figures played an invaluable role during the Space Race, ensuring the safety and success of astronauts. In contrast, The Six Triple Eight, which centers around the postal service, has faced criticism for allegedly minimizing the widespread tragedies of WWII. This critique often neglects the historical significance embedded in the story. Hidden Figures showcases a stellar ensemble cast of accomplished actors, while The Six Triple Eight has had mixed reviews regarding its performances, though Kerry Washington has been widely recognized for her portrayal of Major Charity Adams.

Comparison: The Six Triple Eight vs. Hidden Figures
Title	Year	Budget	Box Office	Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score	Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score
The Six Triple Eight	2024	Currently unknown	Currently unknown	53%	74%
Hidden Figures	2016	$25 million	$236.2 million	93%	93%

The “salute”scene in The Six Triple Eight stands out as a pivotal moment. It symbolizes the recognition the 6888th battalion deserved, depicting soldiers and their families finally receiving letters from the battalion. However, it is important to note that this particular scene is fictional, as explained by Tyler Perry, who intended to highlight the respect that should have been afforded to the battalion during its time. Despite their distinct narratives, both Hidden Figures and The Six Triple Eight strive to rectify historical oversights and honor the contributions of extraordinary women.

Source: Today

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