A Prayer Before Dawn Dvd

A Prayer Before Dawn is a 2017 drama biopic directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire, written by Jonathan Hirschbein and Nick Saltrese and starring Joe Cole. It is based on the book A Prayer Before Dawn: My Nightmare in Thailand’s Prisons by Billy Moore. The film had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on 19 May 2017. It was released in the United Kingdom on 20 July 2018, by Altitude Film Distribution, and in the United States on 10 August 2018, by A24.

Plot

Billy Moore, a young British boxer and troubled heroin addict, is arrested in Thailand and charged with possession of stolen goods and a firearm. Incarcerated into Klong Prem prison, he is quickly subjugated to the horrors of Thai prison life, including being moved into a crowded mass cell ruled by cell boss Keng, forced to sleep next to a corpse and witnessing at knifepoint the rape of a fellow inmate. Billy’s experiences with the other prisoners and personnel are tense, at one point going into a violent frenzy and biting into the neck of a prison guard after being refused painkillers. Following his punishment, he befriends transgender prisoner Fame. Life in prison worsens for Billy, and he retreats into heavy drug abuse; he subsequently beats two Muslim chefs half to death after being bribed ya ba by a corrupt prison guard.

Billy’s psyche finally breaks and he attempts suicide by slitting his wrist, though he survives. With a desperate need to fight again and battle his demons, he eventually joins the boxing team with the help of Fame, whom he later develops a romance with. Billy quickly adapts to the art of Muay Thai kickboxing and is able to win his first bout. Impressed by his performance, prison warden Officer Preecha has him transferred into the boxing team cell, with him being the first foreigner to compete in the national Muay Thai tournament and represent the prison. There he soon develops a comradery with the other boxers, receiving a tattoo on his back. However, he is ambushed by Keng and his gang, who threaten him with a pin prick attack if he loses the tournament. Even worse, it is established that Billy is suffering from hernia due to his drug abuse, and any subsequent damage could result in serious internal bleeding. Regardless, he still desires to compete. The resulting match is grueling for Billy, as he takes multiple shots to his stomach and is also fouled by his opponent. However, using what he learnt, he manages to knock his opponent out with a spinning back elbow and wins the fight. Despite the victory, the physical trauma is too much, and Billy ends up vomiting blood and passing out.

Billy is quickly rushed to hospital, and after waking up, he sneaks out of the building and into the cityscape. Billy soon reconsiders his actions and returns back to the hospital. After being transferred, he reunites with his father, where the two exchange a solemn smile.

Cast

Joe Cole as Billy Moore
Pornchanok Mabklang as Fame
Panya Yimmumphai as Keng
Somluck Kamsing as Trainer
Vithaya Pansringarm as Officer Preecha
Billy Moore as Billy’s Father