Bacon & God's Wrath is a 2015 documentary film directed by Sol Friedman, which chronicles the journey of 90-year-old Razie Brownstone as she comes to grips with her belief systems and the concept of God. At the beginning of the film, Razie explains that she is Jewish and has always been taught to follow the rules and laws of the faith. However, in recent years, she has begun to question the validity of these teachings, particularly in regard to the role of women in religious practices. She decides to take matters into her own hands and embarks on a mission to understand the world around her and make sense of her own beliefs.
Razie's journey begins in her kitchen, where she prepares bacon for the first time in her life. This is a significant event for her, as the consumption of pork is strictly forbidden in Jewish tradition. However, Razie is determined to try new things and explore her own boundaries, regardless of what others might think.
Inspired by her newfound sense of adventure, Razie decides to confront one of the biggest questions of her life: Is there really a God? To do so, she consults a variety of sources, from religious texts to the opinions of her friends and family. She even takes a trip to Israel to explore her ancestral roots and gain a deeper understanding of her faith.
The film is divided into short chapters, each of which explores a different aspect of Razie's journey. In one chapter, she speaks with an Orthodox rabbi about the rules and traditions of Judaism, and debates with him about the role of women in the religion. In another chapter, she attends an atheist meeting and discusses the lack of scientific evidence to support the existence of God.
Throughout the film, Razie's personality shines through. She is a feisty and opinionated woman who is not afraid to challenge the status quo. Her conversations with various religious and non-religious figures are both entertaining and enlightening, providing a fresh perspective on age-old debates.
One of the standout moments in the film comes when Razie attends a protest against animal cruelty. She is deeply moved by the plight of the animals, and her newfound concern for their welfare leads her to question her own consumption of meat. This is a powerful moment of self-reflection, as Razie begins to connect her own choices and actions with her beliefs about the world around her.
One of the most striking things about Bacon & God's Wrath is its honesty. Razie is not afraid to admit that she doesn't have all the answers, and her journey is an authentic reflection of the struggles that we all face when trying to make sense of our own lives. This is a film that will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned their beliefs or ideas, and it is a testament to the power of self-exploration and personal growth.
In conclusion, Bacon & God's Wrath is an engaging and thought-provoking documentary that explores the big questions of life with honesty and humor. Razie Brownstone is a captivating subject and an inspiration to anyone who has ever felt stuck in their own beliefs. This is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, inviting you to ponder your own place in the world and the role that faith and belief systems play in our lives.
