A Prayer Before Dawn (2017)

The true story of an English boxer incarcerated in one of Thailand's most notorious prisons as he fights in Muay Thai tournaments to earn his freedom.

Director:

Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire

Writers:

Billy Moore (based on the memoir by), Jonathan Hirschbein (screenplay by)

Stars:

Joe Cole, Vithaya Pansringarm, Pornchanok Mabklang

1 win & 6 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Joe Cole	...	Billy Moore
Vithaya Pansringarm	...	Officer Preecha
Pornchanok Mabklang	...	Fame
Panya Yimmumphai	...	Keng
Nicolas Shake	...	Doctor
Rex Basbas	...	Lady Boy
Billy Moore	...	Billy Moore's Father
Sonephet Inthisome	...	Tiffany
Russel Galupo	...	Lady Boy
Nichakran Nabumrung	...	Gogo Girl
Komsan Polsan	...	Patumsuk
Oakkharakittikhachok Chokwatcharakonkun	...	Bowie
Somlock Kamsing	...	Trainer
Wisanu Kholekklang	...	Trustee
Sura Sirmalai	...	Chanachol

Storyline

Billy Moore, an English boxer, down on his luck, addicted to Ya Ba, and stuck in Thailand, ends up getting arrested and sent to Chiang Mai Prison, where he struggles to survive and eventually ends up fighting in Muay Tai boxing tournaments.

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Plot Keywords:

male frontal nudity | male rear nudity | bare chested male | boxer | boxing | 

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Taglines:

Fight for your life

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Genres:

Action | Biography | Crime | Drama | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong violence including a brutal rape sequence, drug use and language throughout, some sexual content and nudity

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Japan]

Country:

UK France China Cambodia USA

Language:

English Thai

Release Date:

10 August 2018 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Prayer Before Dawn

Filming Locations:

Nakorn Pathon & Bangkok,Thailand

Company Credits

Production Co:

Senorita Films, Indochina Productions, HanWay Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The real Billy Moore makes an appearance in the film as his own father, who had died of cancer before filming began.

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Soundtracks

Subaquatic
Performed by Scott Morgan as Loscil
Composed by Scott Morgan

User Reviews

Intense and produced/filmed really well

This is not your typical Hollywood production, but wow was it produced really well.

The score was perfect. The setting outstanding. The cinematography on point. The acting by all cast - even extras (mostly ex-convicts) was very convincing and intense, and Joe Cole nailed his role. The directing was fairly decent although the last fight scene was just too many close ups.

My main beef is the writing - either bad editing or cutting by the director. There were too many scenes that were missing info, such as what did the letters from his dad say? Why even have that in the film if it wont be elaborated. My other beef is the lack of subtitles where subtitles were needed (90% of the film). I'm not sure if it was my copy missing all the important dialogue subtitled, or the actual film, but I was left unsatisfied not knowing what everyone was saying, or at least many important scenes.

Nevertheless, a really intense film based on a true story, filmed really well overall. A great watch, especially if you're into the martial arts and Muay Thai. A well deserved 8/10 from me.