Chaindance

Watch Chaindance

"A severely-disabled wheelchair patient... A violent street-hardened convict... Make unlikely partners."
  • R
  • 1991
  • 1 hr 49 min
  • 6.1  (327)

Chaindance is a gripping drama film that premiered in 1991. The movie follows the story of an inmate who is serving a life sentence for murder in a maximum-security prison. The prisoner, named Louis Burke (played by Scott Andersen), is a former gymnast and dancer with a difficult past. He turns to his athletic skills to try and find a way out of the prison.

Louis is a defiant inmate, and his behavior lands him in solitary confinement. There, he encounters a seasoned prisoner named "1-2-6" (played by R. Nelson Brown), who is serving a life sentence for a different crime. 1-2-6 is also accustomed to solitary confinement, having spent years in the dark cell. The two begin a friendship that becomes a lifeline for them both.

Louis seeks to escape from prison, and his chance comes when he discovers that he is part of a secret rehabilitation program. In this program, prisoners are trained in different trades in preparation for their release into society. Louis is assigned to work with Lenny (played by Norman Browning), a silversmith.

Lenny teaches Louis how to make intricate silver chains. Louis becomes a master at the craft, and his work gains him admiration from his fellow inmates and the warden. However, Louis has a different motivation for learning the trade. He wants to use the knowledge he gains to escape from prison.

As Louis's escape plan takes shape, he finds an unexpected obstacle in the form of a female prison psychologist named Rachel (played by Franki DeSalvo). She takes an interest in Louis, and their relationship evolves from a professional one to a personal one. Rachel becomes Louis's confidant, and he shares his elaborate plan with her.

Chaindance is a powerful story about redemption, reinvention, and the strength of the human spirit. It portrays the prison system as a flawed institution that can break a person or inspire them to transcend their circumstances. The movie explores the harsh realities of prison life, such as gang violence, sexual assault, and mental illness. It also highlights the humanity of the inmates and the resilience that can be found in the most challenging of situations.

The performances in Chaindance are superb. Scott Andersen portrays Louis with a quiet intensity that makes the character's struggles palpable. R. Nelson Brown's portrayal of 1-2-6 is nuanced and nuanced, and he brings depth to a character that could have been one-dimensional. Norman Browning's Lenny is a complex character whose history is revealed as the movie progresses, and he delivers a memorable performance.

The direction by Allan A. Goldstein is excellent. He creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that immerses the audience in the prison environment. The pacing of the movie is brisk, and it maintains its tension throughout.

In conclusion, Chaindance is a gripping and emotionally charged drama that delves into the complexities of the prison system. It is a character-driven movie that leaves a lasting impact on the audience. The movie showcases the talents of its cast and director and is a must-see for fans of prison dramas.

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Description
  • Release Date
    1991
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 49 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.1  (327)