A Prayer Before Dawn

A Prayer Before Dawn is a 2017 biographical sports drama film directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire, based on the 2014 memoir of the same name by Billy Moore. The film stars Joe Cole as Billy Moore, a young and troubled Englishman who finds himself on a downward spiral of crime and addiction. In the early 2000s, Billy is sentenced to prison in Thailand after being caught smuggling opium. He is sent to Klong Prem Provincial Prison, a harsh and unforgiving institution notorious for its corruption, brutal treatment of prisoners, and thriving black market. Upon arrival, Billy is thrown into a world of chaos, where prisoners are forced to fight for survival and compete in the brutal Muay Thai boxing tournaments, known as "ad muay boran". Initially, Billy struggles to adapt to the harsh conditions of the prison, where he is frequently bullied and humiliated by the corrupt prison guards and the more established inmates. However, he soon discovers a talent for Muay Thai, a traditional martial art that is deeply ingrained in Thai culture. Billy's natural aptitude for the sport earns him the attention of the prison's fighting champion, a ruthless and cunning inmate named Toshi (played by Pornthep Sinbandhit). Toshi recognizes Billy's potential and takes him under his wing, teaching him the fundamentals of Muay Thai and introducing him to the prison's underground fight scene. As Billy's skills improve, he begins to catch the attention of the prison authorities, who seek to exploit his talent for their own gain. They offer Billy a chance to compete in the prestigious "ad muay boran" tournaments, which promise a glimmer of hope for a better life outside the prison walls. Billy's journey as a Muay Thai fighter becomes an escape from the harsh realities of his imprisonment. In the fighting arena, he finds a sense of purpose and belonging, which contrasts sharply with the bleak and hostile environment of the prison. Through his training and participation in the tournaments, Billy forms strong bonds with some of the prisoners, including a kind-hearted inmate named Surakham (played by Nong Poythong). However, Billy's progress in the fighting tournaments also attracts the attention of the prison's corrupt officials, who seek to profit from his success. They offer him a chance to compete in the "ad muay boran" against some of the toughest opponents in the prison, but at a steep price: Billy must agree to participate in the fights without any training or preparation, and under the watchful eye of the corrupt prison authorities. As Billy navigates the treacherous world of prison Muay Thai, he must also confront his own demons, including his addiction to crystal methamphetamine. Billy's addiction becomes a recurring theme throughout the film, as he struggles to resist the temptation of the prison's black market and maintain his sense of self-worth. In the film's climactic final scenes, Billy's fighting career reaches a turning point. He is forced to compete in a high-stakes match against a formidable opponent, and must use all his skills and experience to emerge victorious. The film's conclusion is both poignant and uplifting, as Billy's determination and resilience finally yield positive results. Throughout the film, Joe Cole delivers a compelling and nuanced performance as Billy Moore, capturing the complexity and vulnerability of his character. The film's cinematography is also noteworthy, capturing the vibrant colors and intense energy of the Muay Thai tournaments, as well as the brutal and unforgiving conditions of the prison. A Prayer Before Dawn is a gripping and emotionally charged true story that offers a unique glimpse into the world of prison Muay Thai, and the human spirit's capacity for resilience and hope in the face of adversity.