Logo What's After the Movie

Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love 2019

On the Greek island of Hydra in the 1960s, aspiring writer Leonard Cohen met Marianne Ihlen, a free-spirited mother, and a deep friendship blossomed amidst a vibrant artistic community. This documentary explores their creative connection and enduring bond through rare archival footage. It’s a nostalgic look at a period of bohemian life, where love, art, and lasting memories shaped the lives of these two influential artists.

On the Greek island of Hydra in the 1960s, aspiring writer Leonard Cohen met Marianne Ihlen, a free-spirited mother, and a deep friendship blossomed amidst a vibrant artistic community. This documentary explores their creative connection and enduring bond through rare archival footage. It’s a nostalgic look at a period of bohemian life, where love, art, and lasting memories shaped the lives of these two influential artists.

Does Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love have end credit scenes?

No!

Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love

Explore the complete cast of Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love

See how Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

75

The documentary delivers an affectionate and visually rich portrait of Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen, anchored by evocative archival photography and concert footage. While many admire its emotional warmth and well-chosen interviews, others note that the storytelling occasionally loses focus and relies on conventional narration techniques. The uneven pacing in the second half diminishes narrative clarity at times. Overall, the film succeeds as a heartfelt tribute but stops short of fully capturing its subjects’ complexity.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love

75
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, the film’s archival integration and editing stand out as its chief strengths. The juxtaposition of still photographs, concert clips and present-day interviews is handled with measured pacing and smooth transitions. At the same time, the director’s style can feel intrusive in moments, drawing attention to the filmmaking process rather than private emotion. Net of these elements, the production design and cinematography create a cohesive, atmospheric presentation.

70
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, Marianne emerges as a dignified and gentle presence, and the film affords her greater agency than in previous portrayals. The relationship is portrayed with affectionate respect, but the absence of Leonard Cohen’s own reflections leaves certain emotional dynamics underexplored. Viewers sense genuine warmth in the interviews, yet the shifting focus in the latter half limits the depth of both figures. The net result is a respectful but somewhat uneven character study.

65
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, the documentary offers a traditional chronological arc that charts the rise and fall of Cohen’s career alongside his bond with Marianne. Early segments are engaging and coherent, but the narrative loses momentum in the second half as the timeline becomes less clear. While some appreciate the naturalistic approach to life’s disorder, others find the pacing and occasional digressions undercut the film’s overall cohesion. The structure is serviceable but not consistently compelling.

85
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

Regarding sensory experience, the score and soundtrack capture the bittersweet melancholy associated with Cohen’s music, enhancing the film’s reflective mood. Sound design is crisp, and the visual style balances sunlit island scenes with intimate close-ups, creating an immersive atmosphere. The archival audio of performances and ambient soundscapes reinforce a sense of time and place. Although some viewers wish for more extended musical excerpts, the overall sensory palette is evocative and well executed.

60
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

With respect to rewatch factor, the documentary offers lasting appeal for Cohen enthusiasts who will appreciate the depth of archival footage and historical context. Its measured pacing and sedate tone may limit repeated viewings for those less invested in the subject matter. The film’s affectionate warmth and glimpses of artistic life on Hydra provide occasional moments worth revisiting. Overall, it holds moderate replay value, particularly for viewers drawn to its nostalgic and biographical elements.

Metacritic

69

Metascore

7.5

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

80%

TOMATOMETER

review

85%

User Score

IMDb

7.0 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

64

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.5

From 5 fan ratings

Movie Insider

2.00/5

From 2 fan ratings

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love

See more

Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


MARIANNE & LEONARD WORDS OF LOVE | Official Trailer | Roadside Attractions

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


singing in a carsinging on a busrock musicianpoetcanadian abroadnorwegian abroadhydra greece1960stragic eventlsdlondon englandmontreal quebec canadadonkeysartist colonynudity

Similar Movies You Should Know About

Browse a curated list of movies similar in genre, tone, characters, or story structure. Discover new titles like the one you're watching, perfect for fans of related plots, vibes, or cinematic styles.


© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.