Ep 156. Prison Fighters: 5 Rounds To Freedom
- February 24, 2017
In Showtime Specials season 1 episode 156, titled "Prison Fighters: 5 Rounds To Freedom," viewers are taken inside the notorious Klong Prem prison in Thailand, where inmates fight for their freedom in brutal Muay Thai matches. The documentary follows four inmates, serving long sentences for crimes ranging from drug trafficking to murder, as they train for and compete in a tournament that offers the winner a chance at early release.
The episode opens with footage of the Thai prison system, which houses more than 300,000 inmates in overcrowded and often violent conditions. The prison's Muay Thai program, which has been in operation for more than a decade, is one of the few outlets for prisoners to channel their aggression and gain a sense of purpose.
We are introduced to the four inmates who will be the focus of the episode: Noy, a young man who has been in prison since he was 15; Yod, a former Muay Thai champion who was imprisoned for drug trafficking; Stamp, a soft-spoken inmate who has turned to boxing as a way to cope with his guilt over killing someone; and PTT, a former gang member serving a life sentence for murder.
The four men train under the watchful eye of former champion boxer and prison guard, Mr. Somsak. He is both a trainer and mentor to the fighters, providing them with discipline, guidance, and a sense of hope.
As the tournament progresses, the men face physical and emotional challenges both in and out of the ring. Yod, in particular, struggles with the guilt of his past crimes and the pressure to win in order to secure his release.
The fights themselves are intense and brutal, with inmates using every weapon in their arsenal to defeat their opponents. But despite the violence, there is also a sense of camaraderie and respect among the fighters.
As the tournament comes to a close, the episode builds to its climactic conclusion, with one inmate emerging as the victor and earning his freedom. But for the others, there is no happy ending, as they must return to their cells to continue serving their sentences.
Through its gritty and unflinching portrayal of the Thai prison system and the Muay Thai program within it, "Prison Fighters: 5 Rounds To Freedom" offers a unique perspective on both the power of sport and the human capacity for resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship.