Synonymes

If a movie polarizers the audience so much as to receive such conflicting opinion, from garbage to masterpiece and winning a prestigious prize - just go see for yourself. A lot of the bad reviews here are just an expression of hurt patriotic feelings which I respect but I don't support in this setting . Art is supposed to be a point of view. But Israel is a very propagandist environment where the army is sacred and there is no other point of view accepted. there is no climate for self reflection. This movie is about being disillusioned angry and sad with what your country has become . It asks a lot of uncomfortable questions about the future of this country. It not a masterpiece but not garbage, it's thought provoking and worth considering .

Yoav (Tom Mercier) is a young Israeli man who has recently arrived in Paris with the intention of becoming a French citizen and renouncing his Israeli identity. Upon his arrival, he befriends a young couple: Emile (Quentin Dolmaire) and Caroline (Louise Chevillotte).

"Synonyms" has an enjoyable, cosmopolitan vibe. There are also some interesting scenes in which Yoav is participating in language classes that immerse new French citizens. Unfortunately, there are too many limitations in the film that diminish the viewing.

It is clear that Yoav has mental health issues but there isn't enough background given about him to help sympathize with his plight. There is also little to no information on why he hates Israel so much and wants to abandon his family. A scene between Yoav and a family member was touching but too brief.

Overall, too much in the film does not make sense. - dbamateurcritic

A young Israeli (Tom Mercier) in Paris tries with all his might to get rid of his Jewish identity and his native Hebrew. It should be clear that this cannot simply be achieved. He finds support from a Parisian couple (Quentin Dolmaire and Louise Chevillotte), but that doesn't work in the long term either.

Enigmatic and yet fascinating! It won the Golden Bear at the BERLINALE 2019. A magical moment occurs when, in a flashback, Israeli soldiers spontaneously start singing Gali Atari's "Hallelujah" (the winning song for Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1979).

Not a film for every taste, but absolutely special!

Not sure what the point of the movie was. Is it displeasure w/some aspect of Israeli military service? Disgust w/Israeli political positions? Finding one's identity? An unrealistic infatuation w/French idealism to be found by becoming French? A searching for friendship or relationship? Or something else since I'm not the brightest acorn on the tree & obtuseness (although good for artsy awards) is beyond me. Anyway, lots of time just walking & talking & reading a French language dictionary. Shows the power of words, culture & language.

Don't listen to all the bad reviews here from people probably pissed they had to look at a naked man. This is a brilliant, original film about the nature of identity - how much is indelible and how much is fluid? - with a blistering lead performance from Tom Mercier, who has the look and charisma of a young Tom Hardy. This is the first of Lapid's films I've seen but will look forward to seeing more.