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:

Jonathan Hirschbein (screenplay), Nick Saltrese (screenwriter)

Stars:

Joe Cole, Pornchanok Mabklang, Vithaya Pansringarm

1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Joe Cole	...	Billy Moore
Pornchanok Mabklang	...	Fame
Vithaya Pansringarm	...	Officer Preecha
Panya Yimmumphai	...	Keng
Billy Moore
Nicolas Shake	...	Doctor
Sura Sirmalai	...	Chanachol
Somlock Kamsing	...	Suthin
Sakda Niamhom	...	Saiyok
Komsan Polsan	...	Patumsuk
Chaloemporn Sawatsuk	...	M

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:

boxer | boxing | boxing match | rape | anal sex | 

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Taglines:

Fight Your Way Out

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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:

Prece ao Nascer do Dia

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 film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2017.

User Reviews

Joe Cole Is Ferocious In The Brutal Biopic 'A Prayer Before Dawn!'

Joe Cole gives a ferocious performance in this relentlessly intimidating crime/biopic based on an english boxer (Billy Moore) who gets incarcerated in Thailand's most notorious prison, the "Bangkok Hilton."

This is visceral and often unwatchably brutal stuff. At times watching it felt pretty much like getting a knife to the gut, especially in one unbearable scene that I don't want to spoil, plus it's a bit to graphic to explain. The director also opts for no subtitles, so unless you speak thai, it instantly gives you a claustrophobic feeling, thus putting us right inside the prison house of Billy's mind. Don't let that deter you as there is dialogue, and what it lacks in, Joe Cole makes up for with a sensational display as he captures his character's relentless aggression and the low cunning he needs to survive whilst also showing us Billy's humanity and very occasional moments of vulnerability. It was 100% method-style madness, so kudos to Joe Cole for a Performance I really can't commend enough.

The fight scenes were well shot and included some awesome knockouts that seemed completely real, especially the first fight he has in prison, wow! The tattoo-covered convicts are terryfying and all sensational supporting actors.

All in all, amateur director Jean-Stephane Sauvaire has masterfully crafted a brutal biopic that packs one hell of a poetic punch! Must see! Check us out on Instagram @MovieFest