Immigration, antisemitism, far-right politics, and extreme nationalism have increased, prompting many French Jews to return to Israel. Ironically, young Joav, skillfully portrayed by newcomer Tom Mercier, is prepared to do the opposite. When he arrives in Paris, he feels a strong desire to become a French citizen; therefore, he decides to study the language intensively.
Joav is an Israeli soldier who deserted and suffers from PTSD. His memories of abuse and brutality during his time in the army are mixed with a clear dehumanization of his character.
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| “Synonyms” ©Berlin Film Festival |
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| “Synonyms” ©Berlin Film Festival |
Emilie (Quentin Dolmaire, “Godard Mon Amour”) and Caroline (Louise Chevillotte) are a wealthy couple seeking to satisfy their intellectual curiosity by riskily engaging in dangerous games with Joav.
They feed him, dress him, and give him money. At one point, Emilie suggests that Caroline marry Joav to help him become a French citizen faster. What a fortunate boy! Their generosity comes at a steep cost because nothing in life is truly free.
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| “Synonyms” ©Berlin Film Festival |
“Synonyms” is an existentialist masterpiece with complex events that inspire its audience to explore the true meaning of friendship, origin, nationality, human dignity, and self-respect.
While working at the Israeli Embassy, Joav causes chaos by attempting to help people seeking shelter. The symbolism and political correctness of the film reach their peak through an extreme event that challenges boundaries and international borders—metaphorically speaking—highlighting Joav’s liberal actions contrasted with Israel’s politics toward Palestinians.
Joav’s only weapon is a French/Hebrew dictionary, which he desperately uses to find many words to recite. The only way to survive in the classist French society is to speak Victor Hugo’s language flawlessly because Joav knows it’s never too late to save his soul.
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| Nadav Lapid winning the Golden Bear for “Synonyms” ©Berlin Film Festival. |
Once he earned a degree in philosophy from Tel Aviv University, visionary director Nadav Lapid (“Kindergarten Teacher,” “Policeman”) moved to Paris after completing his military service in Israel. He aimed to clear his mind and become a French citizen, which is reflected in his compelling body of work, especially in his latest film, “Synonyms,” a masterpiece.
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| “Synonyms” ©Berlin Film Festival |
To write about the 2019 Berlin Golden Bear winner, Lapid focuses on the main character’s journey and his wealthy friends. The director’s semi-autobiographical film reveals many layers of the story through Joav’s conflicted personality. It shows both his inner drive and his determination to reach his goal. Still, it also challenges his desire to uphold Israel’s Zionist ideals, because his background significantly influences his life.
As a paradox in the story, Joav is a soldier who deserted his country and then emigrated to France, only to be alienated by the Parisians.
When Joav’s father traveled to Paris to bring him back to Israel, Joav refused to listen to his mother’s message, and nothing could change his mind. He remained hesitant about his Israeli nationality, but he focuses on his goal.
In Israel, the generational clash is clear - the older generation speaks Hebrew, while the younger generation speaks English. The new immigrant sings the Marseillaise in France better than any native-born French citizen.
“Synonyms” appeals to the human spirit by showing the main character’s vulnerability in a highly dehumanized society.
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| “Synonyms” ©Berlin Film Festival |
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