Chaindance

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.

I should first say that I am a BIG Brad Dourif fan. I first heard about this movie on Dourif.com (which is offline now). I kept hearing more about it from other Brad Dourif sites. Then I saw the movie on a "for sale" rack in a video rental place near my hometown, and so I bought it. And it is incredible!!! I fell in love with the movie the first time I saw it. This movie is a must-see for all Brad Dourif fans. It made my respect for him shoot up another 50 points, and I recommend it to anyone (except little children).

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.

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.

An amazingly under-rated film that has been unfairly ignored by many, I would definitely count this among the best films of 1990. Driven by a thought-provoking plot and the surprisingly powerful performances of Michael Ironside and Brad Dourif, and a fine supporting turn by Rae Dawn Chong, this movie is definitely worth a look if you happen to notice it on the video store shelf.