Marianne and Leonard: Words of Love

Movie review by Tracey Petherick, Common Sense Media
Marianne and Leonard: Words of Love Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Poignant, drug-heavy music doc celebrates the power of love.

R 2019 102 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

age 16+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

No reviews yet.

Add your rating

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Marianne and Leonard: Words of Love is a music documentary that explores the relationship between Leonard Cohen and his long-term muse and lover Marianne Ihlen. With frequent, casual references to abundant drug-taking and an ongoing theme of free love and open relationships, it is a revealing account of life as a successful musician in the "swinging Sixties." Drugs referenced include speed, acid, and pot. In one scene, there is a mention of a 13-year-old's drink being spiked with acid, and of acid being given to a donkey. Smoking is seen throughout, with some drinking. Though no sex is seen in the documentary, it is referred to frequently, and there is some nudity including footage of skinny dipping. The film showcases Cohen's artistic process and awe-inspiring output, and the impact Ihlen -- and other women -- had on his life. But it also highlights the negative aspects of their relationship such as infidelity and obsession.

Community Reviews

EREnglishPal
EREnglishPal Adult
November 5, 2022
age 16+

Idyllic Greek Island but not much meaning/depth in the story

I did not like this particular movie about the Jewish believer in God Leonard Cohen. I think that the Greek island of Hydra is most likely an idyllic and pleasant place to live and Marianne seemed a nice enough person. However, their lives there seemed to be mostly aimless and not very interesting. I prefer Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen A Journey A Song which actually inspired me. I found it interesting to find out about singer Leonard Cohen's spiritual journey and struggles with his life as a Jewish and Buddhist believer and ended up being inspired by the story. However , just a detail that some may or may not find relevant - I actually liked his songs Who by Fire, Suzanne, Anthem , and You Want it Darker much better than Hallelujah. They just seemed to me to have more depth.

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 1 parent review

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

Our Editors Recommend

Themes & Topics

Browse titles with similar subject matter.

  • Cartoon image of a microphone
    Music and Sing-Along
    See all

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate