Watch Prison Fighters: 5 Rounds to Freedom

Prison Fighters: 5 Rounds to Freedom is a documentary film that explores the world of Muay Thai boxing in Thailand’s prison system. Directed by Micah Brown, the film takes the viewers inside the walls of Thailand’s notorious prisons where inmates train and compete in Muay Thai fights. The main character of the film is Dave Leduc, a Canadian man who is serving a 7-year sentence in a Thai prison for drug trafficking. Leduc is also a champion Muay Thai boxer, and he competes in the prison’s weekly fights against other inmates. The film follows Leduc’s journey through the prison’s complex social hierarchy and his rise to being the champion of the prison’s toughest division.

The film also features Ron Perlman, who has a supporting role as a commentator of the fights. Perlman’s voiceover adds a layer of interest to the documentary as he explains the rules and background of Muay Thai fighting. Perlman’s presence also brings some celebrity hype to the film, adding to its overall appeal.

The documentary showcases not just the fighting techniques of the prisoners, but also touches upon the individual stories of some of the inmates. The audience gets a glimpse into the reasons why these men have ended up in prison and how Muay Thai provides them a chance for redemption and rehabilitation. The documentary’s message is clear that Muay Thai can provide an escape and a purpose for these inmates who may have otherwise ended up dead or in even more trouble in prison.

Prison Fighters: 5 Rounds to Freedom is not just a gritty sports documentary that showcases violent fights between prisoners. It is also a commentary on the Thai justice system and how it may be failing some of its citizens. The film highlights the fact that many of the inmates are poor and are serving long sentences for non-violent crimes such as drug trafficking. The film also raises questions about the fairness of the prison’s fighting system and how it may be exploitative of the prisoners.

Overall, Prison Fighters: 5 Rounds to Freedom is an engrossing and well-executed documentary that offers a unique look into the world of Muay Thai boxing in Thai prisons. With its strong characters, emotional interviews and engaging sport footage, the film is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary for any audience. The story of Dave Leduc provides a unique perspective on the redemption and hope that Muay Thai can offer to individuals in a harsh and brutal environment. The addition of Ron Perlman's commentary adds an additional layer of intrigue to the film. Despite its darker themes, the film ultimately offers a glimmer of hope for the prisoners and an interesting commentary on the justice system of Thailand.

Prison Fighters: 5 Rounds to Freedom is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.