thai prison

Holly Deane-Johns grew up in a wealthy area of Perth. When her family’s real estate business went bust, her mother started a successful escort agency to keep their lavish lifestyle intact. But her parent’s relationship was abusive, and when they finally split Holly’s mum met someone new that changed everything. 

Simon was a heroin addict. Pretty soon her mother was too, and the family’s comfortable lifestyle collapsed as addiction took over. It didn’t take long for Holly and her siblings to also become reliant on heroin. 

By the age of 20, Holly was in prison on drugs charges. By the age of 21 her mother had died of an overdose. But Holly’s hell was only just beginning. 

In August 2000, she was arrested in Thailand on more drugs charges - except there, the ramifications were much, much more serious. 

THE END BITS

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CREDITS

Guest: Holly Deane-Johns. You can find out more about her book Holly's Hell: Seven Years in a Thai Prison here.

Host: Gemma Bath

Executive Producer: Gia Moylan

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

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Welcome back to another gripping episode of Bad Dads Film Review! Today, we're stepping into the gritty, raw, and intense world of A Prayer Before Dawn.

A Prayer Before Dawn is a harrowing tale of survival set in the notorious Klong Prem Prison in Thailand. Directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire, this 2017 film is based on the true story of Billy Moore, a young English boxer who finds himself incarcerated in one of Thailand's most fearsome jails.

The movie follows Moore's journey as he navigates the brutal world of a Thai prison. It's a story of resilience, redemption, and the human spirit's capacity to endure. Moore, played with visceral intensity by Joe Cole, turns to Muay Thai boxing as a means to survive and ultimately reclaim his life. The film is an unflinching look at the brutality of prison life and the transformative power of sport.

A Prayer Before Dawn stands out for its raw, immersive style. Sauvaire chooses to cast real inmates, adding an authenticity that's both unsettling and compelling. The film's use of minimal dialogue and its focus on physicality and expression make it a visceral experience for the viewer.

A Prayer Before Dawn is more than a prison movie; it's a testament to the power of the human will. It's an intense, gritty, and ultimately inspiring film that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit.

So, buckle up for a cinematic journey that's as challenging as it is rewarding. Join us on Bad Dads Film Review for an in-depth discussion of A Prayer Before Dawn, where we'll tackle everything from the film's gritty realism to its profound humanistic themes. 🥊🎬👨‍👧‍👦🍿

We love to hear from our listeners! By which I mean we tolerate it. If it hasn't been completely destroyed yet you can usually find us on twitter @dads_film, on Facebook Bad Dads Film Review, on email at baddadsjsy@gmail.com or on our website baddadsfilm.com.

Until next time, we remain...

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