Chaindance

Although Michael Ironside and Rae Dawn Chong are credited as the stars of the film, this is far and away Brad Dourif's movie. A low budget, Canadian film, Chaindance ( aka Common Bond) is an independent film. Besides starring in the movie, Ironside was also the executive producer. Knowing this, the movie has been labeled an attempt to advertise Michael Ironside as a leading man. Having played several (good) supporting roles in the past, Ironside put on the executive producer hat in order to star in a movie. Ironside is a great supporting actor. Then again, he is far from the star of this film, even though he is the main character. Brad Dourif, who plays the supporting role, steals the show with his over the top and very convincing role as a handicap. A good movie, one of Dourif's better roles.

I recorded this movie off HBO which called it "Common Bonds" and it's one heck of a acted, directed & written film. Excellent acting by all especially by Brad Dourif. Kudos to Michael Ironside for a great film.

I was 7 years old when I saw this movie,... I remember telling everybody that I loved it, I remember crying during all sad scenes, but the plot captured what was important and I still hold it to this day... I am 19 years old today and since then I have been searching for another movie that could move me,... no movie such as this one could be found...

"Chaindance" does not feature the usual whacked out Brad Dourif performance. Here he plays a very sympathetic character, severely disabled, with Michael Ironside a lot of the time chained to his wheelchair. The movie explores an uneasy relationship between the handicapped Dourif, and the explosive prisoner, Ironside. I liked "Chaindance" because it is different and not very predictable. Character development is especially good, and Dourif's performance difficult and excellent. Although the story is a real stretch of believability, it is entertaining, and that's enough for me to recommend the film ....... - MERK

This movie is basically about giving people a second chance. Michael Ironside's character gets a chance to become a better person by helping someone else, which is really kind of a nice theme.

Ironside and Dourif are the stars of this unlikely buddy picture, and together they give great performances. Dourif in particular disappears into his role, becoming almost unrecognizable. He really is a chameleon in this film. Ironside, as usual, gives a reliable, strong performance, giving his loser character some depth and presence.

This was a small production and doesn't get anything like the attention it deserves. More than 15 years later, it still deserves a good look.