Common Sense Media Review
By Tracey Petherick
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Poignant, drug-heavy music doc celebrates the power of love.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Marianne and Leonard: Words of Love
What's the Story?
MARIANNE AND LEONARD: WORDS OF LOVE is a documentary that looks at Marianne Ihlen's influence on Leonard Cohen. In 1960, Cohen, a struggling writer, and Ihlen, a single mother with a young son, fell in love on the Greek island of Hydra and embraced a bohemian life among artists and hippies. Their relationship lasted -- on and off -- for many years, during which Cohen became extremely successful. This documentary examines their struggles with mental health, his drug use, and numerous sexual relationships, and the intense bond they had, which lasted until their deaths in 2016.
Is It Any Good?
In many ways, this documentary is a love letter to the Greek island of Hydra, a mesmerizingly beautiful place that in the 1960s was full of artists trying to realize their hopes and dreams. Against the grainy footage of sun-kissed villages, boat trips, and chilled-out hippies, renowned British filmmaker Nick Broomfield tells a tender and vivid story of two vulnerable people -- with very different futures ahead of them. Cohen and Ihlen are both on a spiritual search for love, happiness, and inner peace. But Marianne and Leonard: Words of Love doesn't shy away from the more toxic aspects of their relationship: Cohen's drug taking and infidelity, and Ihlen's growing obsession with her partner.
In the hands of Broomfield, who also had a relationship with Ihlen, this feels like an honest portrayal of an intense relationship as well as a fascinating insight into the professional and private life of the legendary Cohen. There's plenty of sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll, but there's also an appealing warmth to the two characters, who are open and candid about their experiences with anxiety and depression. And above all this is a love story, made all the more poignant by its heartbreaking ending.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the portrayal of drug use in Marianne and Leonard: Words of Love. Is it too casual? Does it glamorize drug use? Is it an important element of the story?
Talk about the concept of a "muse": a person who inspires an artist to be more creative. Why is a muse traditionally a woman? Has this changed over time?
Discuss mental health in the context of both Leonard and Marianne's battles with self-esteem. Why do people who are considered successful sometimes still not feel confident?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 5, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : October 15, 2019
- Cast : Leonard Cohen , Marianne Ihlen , Nick Broomfield
- Director : Nick Broomfield
- Studios : BBC , Kew Media Group
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Rated R for some drug material, sexual references and brief nudity
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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