Prayer Before Dawn (A)
Original Title
Molitva pre zore- Director: Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire
- Writer: Jonathan Hirschbein; Nick Saltrese
- Producer: Roy Boulter; Rita Dagher; Sol Papadopoulos; Nicholas Simon
CGiii Comment
Drugs and thugs...in the Bangkok Hilton [prison].
Dumb, young and full of rage...Billy Moore, a white Liverpudlian boxer went to Thailand and broke the law. He deserved everything that the judicial system threw at him. After serving his time...he returned and wrote a book...from where this film emerged. You can almost hear the redemptive clatter [of prison bars] cloying at your ears.
What saves this film from being a self-absorbed [and needless] cathartic testimonial is Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire’s direction...indeed, his artistry is the film’s saving grace. Visually driven rather than dialogue-laden, Sauvaire shows rather than tells...let’s face it, who wants to hear a thug’s version of events!?! Without doubt, some 'details' have been omitted, altered, exaggerated or completely made-up...as is the nature of these autobiographical outpourings.
A savage film, filmed beautifully...with an exceptional performance by Joe Cole.
Trailer...
The(ir) Blurb...
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.
Cast & Characters
Joe Cole as Billy Moore;
Vithaya Pansringarm as Officer Preecha;
Panya Yimmumphai as Keng;
Nicolas Shake as Doctor;
Sura Sirmalai as Chanachol;
Pornchanok Mabklang as Fame;
Sakda Niamhom as Saiyok;
Somlock Kamsing as Suthin;
Komsan Polsan as Patumsuk;
Chaloemporn Sawatsuk as M;
Billy Moore