Una preghiera prima dell'alba

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.

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.

A very brutal and realistic watch. This movie is very well made and had great acting from Joe Cole. It is good to know the context before hand of the story of Billy Moore, because this is based on a real story. Even though no one throughout the entire movie spoke english to Billy the story of his struggle was told alone by his acting, it was very emotional and heart wrenching. The movie made you feel just as alone and confused Billy Moore was in a room full of people. And to those very few people who did speak english it made you feel the hope that Billy felt for those moments. I wouldn't recommend to those who can be sensitive to the realistic elements of an extremely brutal prison and that includes gore, suicide, sexual assault, addiction to drugs, etc. Every moment throughout the movie you are always wishing the best for Billy hoping he can make it and not wanting to see him fail, and feeling great empathy for him. A lot of the movie can feel like it has no context and you can get confused and have many questions so that's why I think you should read about Billy Moores story online to answer those questions. Only complaint I have is I wish they had shed some light on Billy's life before his drug addiction began again and his life in Thailand, but the ending was a good ending leading you to go online and search up your questions. Overall very well done emotional story, good cinematography, and great acting, 9/10 I recommend to watch.

It's not a typical movie... it's a slow, realistic, painful movie, about what happens inside a Thai prison, which is basically hell, Don't expect to see an action movie, it is not, and do expect to see some horrible and disturbing sites. It's important to anyone to see this movie, as it also has educational value. The Thai boxing is just a minor part of the movie, and a tool to show how far a man is willing to go, how much suffer, to get a redemption, and fight his inside demons. Amazing camera work, and the acting of all actors especially the Thai prisoners (most participant are not actors at all) is fabulous. It looks so real you almost forget it's a movie and not a real life documentary. The leading actor in this movie is a brave guy to take such a hard role, which required a lot of practice and preparations. I highly recommend you watch it, some scenes in this movie you will never forget.

Real story, real people, real locations...this movie is as real as it gets. Took my breath away honestly. It doesnt happen offen that i feel a movie and the emotions of a character that intens. Its a experience. I am a director too, and judge a lot of movies because i think i could have done them better. But this one is on another level. What the director did is truly amazing. An impressive and intimidating masterpiece!!