A Prayer Before Dawn Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A British boxer goes to Thailand, does drugs, gets thrown in prison, and punches his way out…kinda.

🍿 A Prayer Before Dawn: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Billy Moore’s World

The film introduces Billy Moore, a British boxer struggling with addiction in Thailand. He’s down on his luck and deeply involved with Ya Ba, a form of methamphetamine. His life is chaotic, marked by drug use and desperate attempts to make ends meet in a foreign land.

Arrest and Incarceration

Billy’s life takes a dramatic turn when he’s arrested for drug-related offenses. He is sentenced to Nakhon Pathom Prison, a notorious facility outside Bangkok. The prison is overcrowded, violent, and governed by its own brutal rules. Billy immediately faces the harsh realities of prison life.

Survival and Muay Thai

To survive the brutal prison environment, Billy begins to adapt. He discovers Muay Thai, a form of Thai boxing, and starts training. The sport offers him a chance at redemption and a way to channel his aggression. With the help of a ‘ladyboy’, he trains hard, pushing himself physically and mentally.

Fighting for Freedom

Billy enters Muay Thai tournaments within the prison. His boxing skills, combined with his determination, make him a formidable fighter. Each fight is a battle for survival, offering a glimmer of hope for a better future. He fights not only against his opponents but also against his inner demons and the oppressive prison system.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Billy Moore (Joe Cole): An English boxer struggling with addiction who is incarcerated in a Thai prison and forced to fight for survival.
• Fame (Cherry Miko): A ladyboy in prison who befriends and supports Billy, offering him crucial help.
• Officer Preecha (Vithaya Pansringarm): A prison officer who embodies the corrupt and brutal environment of the Thai prison system.
• Keng (Panya Yimmumphai): A fellow inmate who becomes both a rival and an ally to Billy as they navigate the prison’s dangers.
• Trainer (Somluck Kamsing): The Muay Thai trainer who helps Billy hone his skills and find a means of survival within the prison.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Billy Moore: “Please, help me.” – Moore desperately pleads for help in Thai, showcasing his isolation and vulnerability within the prison system.
• Fame: “Fight. Survive.” – A fellow inmate offers Moore blunt, essential advice on how to navigate the brutal realities of prison life.
• Billy Moore: “(Grunts and yells during Muay Thai fight)” – Represents Moore’s raw, primal struggle for survival and redemption through violence and sport.

💰Box Office

• Budget: Unknown
• Domestic Gross: $14,453
• Worldwide Gross: $958,883

💥 A Prayer Before Dawn Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by this movie. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s incredibly powerful. Joe Cole’s performance is mesmerizing. The scene where he gets his first prison tattoo, the boxing scenes and the one where he visits his dad are unforgettable. I felt like I was right there with him, experiencing the horrors and the small glimmers of hope.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of prison dramas”
  • “Those interested in true stories of survival”
  • “Viewers who appreciate gritty, realistic filmmaking”
  • “Martial arts enthusiasts, especially Muay Thai”
  • “People interested in stories of addiction and redemption”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Male rape”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “A Prayer Before Dawn is a brutal, unflinching look at survival in the most extreme circumstances. Joe Cole delivers a phenomenal performance, capturing the raw intensity and desperation of a man fighting for his life.
• Variety: “Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire’s film is a visceral and immersive experience, placing the viewer directly into the harrowing world of a Thai prison. The film pulls no punches in its depiction of violence and despair, creating a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

Audience Reactions

The raw and realistic depiction of prison life.: Viewers praised the film’s authenticity and the unflinching portrayal of violence and survival in a Thai prison.

Joe Cole’s outstanding performance as Billy Moore.: Many viewers commended Cole’s intense and believable performance, highlighting his ability to convey the character’s emotions without relying heavily on dialogue.

Overall Consensus: A brutally realistic and intense prison drama, praised for its authenticity and Joe Cole’s powerful performance. While not for the faint of heart, it offers a compelling and unforgettable viewing experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the true story of Billy Moore, who wrote a memoir about his experiences in a Thai prison.”
• “Joe Cole, who plays Billy Moore, underwent extensive Muay Thai training to prepare for the role, aiming for authenticity in his fight scenes.”
• “The movie was filmed in actual Thai prisons, adding a gritty and realistic feel to the environment.”
• “Many of the extras were real former inmates, contributing to the film’s authenticity and capturing the harsh realities of prison life.”
• “Director Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire aimed to immerse the audience in Billy Moore’s experience through intense close-ups and chaotic fight choreography.”

🖥️ How to Watch A Prayer Before Dawn?

A Prayer Before Dawn is available to rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability and pricing. You might also find it on streaming services that offer a rotating selection of movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Prayer Before Dawn, you might like these similar films:

• Starred Up (2013): Both films depict the brutal realities of prison life and a protagonist’s struggle for survival within a violent system.
• Bronson (2008): Features a volatile protagonist navigating the prison system through violence, exploring themes of identity and madness.
• Warrior (2011): Explores themes of redemption and familial conflict through the lens of mixed martial arts fighting.
• Shot Caller (2017): Depicts the transformation of an ordinary man into a hardened criminal within the prison system, focusing on survival and loyalty.

🛒 A Prayer Before Dawn Related Products

• A Prayer Before Dawn: A Nightmare in Thailand: The harrowing true story of Billy Moore’s experiences in a Thai prison, providing deeper insight into his struggle for survival and redemption.
• Muay Thai Training Gloves: High-quality Muay Thai gloves for training and sparring, allowing fans to engage with the martial art featured in the film.
• Thai Prison Tattoo Art: A high-quality print featuring authentic Thai prison tattoo art. A unique and visually striking piece for fans of the film’s gritty aesthetic.
• Peaky Blinders Blu-Ray Boxset: A collection of Joe Cole’s critically acclaimed television show where he plays John Shelby.

🎧 Soundtrack

A Prayer Before Dawn features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Cotom” – performed by Loscil (Scott Morgan)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

A prayer before dawn 2017 Movie explained in Hindi | True Story of a British guy in a Thai Prison

Want to understand the true story behind “A Prayer Before Dawn”? This video breaks down the film in Hindi, giving you all the gritty details about Billy Moore’s harrowing experience. I found it super informative and it really enhanced my appreciation for the movie!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Lhx_oPpeAR4

In Prison, White Man’s BuIIied By Thai Gangsters Unaware He’s World Boxing Champion

Need a quick rundown of “A Prayer Before Dawn”? This recap highlights the most intense moments and Billy Moore’s incredible fight for survival. Honestly, it’s a wild ride condensed into just a few minutes!

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