Torn Apart is an exceedingly literate and thoughtful take on an old premise: can two people in love overcome centuries (indeed millenia) of culturally inbred hatreds and suspicions? There are no easy answers here, and the film does not attempt to offer any. Covering some of the most momentous conflicts in Israeli-Arab history (including both the 1967 7 day war and the 1973 Yom Kippur conflict), the film has both the broad historical sweep and the intimate personal stories of the best films of this ilk, notably David Lean's. The fact that it was an independent feature apparently shot on a shoestring budget does not, for the most part, show in the final product.

Adrian Pasdar and Cecilia Peck (Gregory's daughter) contribute very fine work here as the lovers seeking to overcome very long, probably insurmountable, odds. Peck especially sears the screen with her intensity (she jokes in an extra interview that she probably didn't have much of a sense of humor while filming this). The excellent detailing of both the Jewish and Muslim cultures only helps give the film the visceral veracity it exhibits in abundance.

Though the film elements show their age (it was released in 1989), Barry Markowitz's cinematography, including copious location footage, is beautifully done and the overall production values are first rate. Peter Arnow's somber score is very effective, and director Jack Fisher shows a firm hand in keeping the story well-balanced between the lovers' dilemma and the unfolding historical aspects.

The DVD

Video:
The transfer is fine, though the source elements show occasional damage, with some scratching, dirt and debris. The enhanced 1.78:1 image is sharp and detailed.

Sound:
Several audio options are offered, including Dolby 5.1 and 2.0, as well as an audio commentary.

Extras:
A handful of extras here, including a nice commentary by Peck, Pasdar and director King, which goes into some detail about the difficulties of the shoot and the various locations. There's also a short featurette with present-day interviews with the three, as well as a trailer and photo gallery.

Final Thoughts:
This film will appeal to anyone with an interest in the Israeli-Arab conflict, but also to love story lovers of any persuasion. The portent of doom that hangs over the film from virtually the first frame only helps illuminate the tragic circumstances that virtually everybody in the Middle East experiences for one reason or another.

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"G-d made stars galore" & "Hey, what kind of a crappy fortune is this?" ZMK, modern prophet