A Prayer Before Dawn (2017)

Been waiting for this for ages, didn't disappoint, savage film some disturbing bits, i've lived in Thailand so know Thai prisons are harsh especial if you have no money like Billy, would say it's a little bit slow, but still one wicked prison film, Joe Cole was defo the man for the part, quite a lot of Thai spoken, luckily i understand some of it, but if you you like prison films this is a must, it is up there,

Fmovies: The fact that this is a true story just gives me the shivers! Well played by Joe Cole, the directing and casting, top notch. I actually thought they were real prisoners until I found out that they all were ex-cons. The acting was that good. One of the few movies I didn't want to end! Very very good stuff.

Films about prisons and martial arts are usually attractive. "A Prayer Before Dawn" is a combination of the two genres and the most important: based on the true story of the English boxer William "Billy" Moore brilliantly performed by Joe Cole. The story of the addicted in heroin boxer that is arrested in Thailand and sent to a notorious prison, learning Muay Thay and winning an important tournament that changed his life gives the sensation of a documentary shot in a prison in Thailand. The plot and scenes are realistic and brutal, totally different from most of the Hollywood productions of the genre. It is not in the same level of the masterpiece "Midnight Express", but expresses the sensation of a Caucasian in a foreigner prison. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): Not Available

A Prayer Before Dawn fmovies. Brutal, multidimensional, powerful and raw, this is a one of a kind event, indistinguishable from reality in every way. Truly mesmerising and utterly convincing, one can only imagine it might be the truest 'true story' one mat ever view. An inspiring story of the power of human resilience against all odds, any critic not giving this film the perfect summary it deserves is either pretentious, ignorant to art, or, more forgivable, utterly out of touch with the dark side of the world.

Great photography, very good direction, good editing. If you were to watch this movie without knowing it is inspired to a portion of life of someone, you could think it is a sort of visually satisfying mockumentary about Thailandese prisons. Joe Cole does a great job, but it is not enough to save the movie from itself: too tight, too monotonous, too didactic. Just like the prison it portrays. Cole is left alone, in isolation, trying to portray Billy Moore. But the writing keeps everything two-dimensional: a lot of things happen during the movie, but somehow they pass Billy and us by.

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.