This true story Netflix drama with Oprah is a must-see

While I love to completely disappear into a fantasy world in a movie, it always touches me just a bit more when the story is based on true events. Especially films about World War II always hit hard. This was exactly the case with the new Netflix title ‘The Six Triple Eight’. This moving drama tells the story of the first and only colored women's corps of the US. They were tasked with restoring communication between the soldiers and their families. And the dangers of war turned out not to be their only problems.

An impossible mission

In February 1945, 855 African American women were sent to Europe to clear a backlog of three years of undelivered mail. 17 million letters, many of which had incomplete or incorrect addresses, had to be processed within 6 months. The task carried a heavy emotional weight: the soldiers and their families had not been in contact for months, and their morale could use a boost. As if departing for a war zone wasn't heavy enough, the women also faced racism. They were given separate, poorly maintained housing, often without light and heating, and had to constantly defend themselves against the white officers. Despite all the dangers and setbacks, the women formed a close-knit community, determined to bring hope back.

A special connection

Director Tyler Perry was inspired for this film by a special conversation he had with Lena Derriecott King, one of the women from the battalion. “We spent a few hours talking in her home, a great conversation. When I left, I had a whole movie in my head that I wanted to write for her.” Before King's passing in January 2024, Perry had already shown her an incomplete version of the film, and he received her approval. This was not the only special encounter that took place during the filming. After a local resident of the filming location discovered what the cast and crew were doing, he wanted to help. He brought a suitcase containing various uniforms, letters, and photos. These turned out to belong to Charity Adams, the main character in the film. Kerry Washington delivers a powerful performance and is supported by, among others, Oprah Winfrey, Donna Biscoe, and Kylie Jefferson. A film full of woman power that will truly leave you speechless.

‘The Six Triple Eight’ is now available on Netflix.

Image: Netflix