Synonyms

... leaves you under no illusion of the differing liberties that exist between two nations and their cultures in the mind of a young man fleeing Israel for France. Irregular and inconsistent, at times a tough nut to crack, although when is life anything other than that? If you need a linear melody and clarity of enunciation then this film is not for you - but who want's to waste their time being spoon fed the kind of valueless stuff the masses grow fat on. A bit of imagination and diversity is so much more wholesome.

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

Film undoubtedly directed by pretentious high school students, during an internship.

Cons: 1. Yoav runs away from Israel because Israel is, I literally quote, "méchant, obscène, hideux, ... " and he arrives in Paris to work within the embassy of (guess what!) Israel. Incredible! It's moronic... 2. Yoav does not speak. Yoav yells or shouts. Constantly. Unnecessarily. Sometimes, to change, Yoav screams. It's boring... 3. Yoav impregnates himself, idly and condescendingly, from the customs and traditions of the Parisian natives to fill the void of his own life. It's depressing... 4. Yoav plays music with a machine gun, on a French song interpreted by the american band Pink Martini. It's almost funny. But no, actually. 5. Yoav is sometimes filmed with a basic camera held by a person obviously suffering from epilepsy: right, left, up, down, ... quickly and randomly. I was almost seasick. 6. ... 7. ... and so on, and so on ... 8. ...

Pros: Paris, the city. However, I live there and I may see this city everyday; then, I do not need to waste my time during two (long!) hours in a movie theater, for this kind of movie. So, finally, no positive point. Definitely!

As a synthesis, in one word: no!

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 .

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.