Watch A Prayer Before Dawn

In the 2017 film A Prayer Before Dawn, viewers are taken on a gritty and raw journey through the true story of Billy Moore, a boxer and drug addict from the UK who finds himself arrested in Thailand and thrown into one of the most notorious prisons in the country. Played by Joe Cole, Moore's life is in shambles as he tries to navigate the brutal world of prison life surrounded by inmates who speak a language he doesn't understand. Violent fights and harsh living conditions are the norm, and Moore's only solace comes in the form of a fellow inmate who takes him under his wing and teaches him the ways of Muay Thai boxing. As Moore begins to understand the importance of discipline and physical prowess in order to survive in the prison, he trains tirelessly day after day despite his weakened body due to drug abuse. His dedication to the sport and newfound sense of purpose eventually lead him to represent the prison in a prestigious boxing tournament, but not without facing several roadblocks and adversaries that test his abilities nonstop. Throughout the film, director Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire paints a vivid picture of the grueling conditions that prisoners face in Thai institutions, with scenes of bloody fights, drug use, and corrupt guards dominating much of the story. But beyond the violence and chaos, A Prayer Before Dawn also highlights the human element of the characters involved, particularly Moore's own redemption arc as he struggles to overcome his past and find a new identity through the sport of boxing. Cole's unflinching performance as Moore anchors the film and brings audiences into the dark and often harrowing world of the prison. Alongside him, the supporting cast - particularly Cherry Miko as a drug dealer who becomes a love interest for Moore, and Vithaya Pansringarm as a stern yet compassionate prison guard - adds depth to the story and helps to flesh out the world of the Thai prison beyond Moore's own struggles. Sauvaire's direction is masterful in its use of visuals, particularly in the fight scenes that punctuate the narrative. He utilizes slow motion and close-ups to highlight the physicality of the boxing matches, while also offering glimpses into the psychological battles being waged by both Moore and his opponents. Overall, A Prayer Before Dawn is a powerful and affecting film that explores themes of redemption, survival, and the power of discipline and physicality in dire circumstances. It's a brutal portrayal of life in a Thai prison, but it's also a triumph of the human spirit that leaves a lasting impact on viewers.