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A cinematic celebration of Leonard Cohen's music, life, and legacy through the eyes of his son Adam and tribute performances by musical icons.

Duration: 77 min
Production year: 2024
Air date: 2024-11-20
Availability date: 2024-11-20
Country: Canada
Collaborator(s): Adam Cohen
Performer(s): Leonard Cohen, Elvis Costello, Lana Del Rey, Sting, Feist, Damien Rice, The Lumineers, k.d. Lang

This CBC Gem page features a documentary titled 'Leonard Cohen: If It Be Your Will' exploring the life and music of the legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. The film delves into Cohen's personal and spiritual journey through interviews, live performances, and archival footage. Fans of Leonard Cohen will enjoy this intimate look at his artistry and legacy.

Leonard Cohen: If It Be Your Will
Special, Documentary
1h 15m 2024
Offers profound insight into the life of Leonard Cohen and why he is a revered songwriter, featuring footage of Leonard talking about his literary, musical, and spiritual experience.

In 2017, just one year after iconic Canadian songwriter Leonard Cohen's death, thousands gathered at the Bell Centre in Montreal to honour his poetic brilliance. Much more than a concert, it was a touching symphony of memories, music and tributes to one of the greatest lyricists in the world.

"He had this kind of wisdom that we all crave and had a way of translating it into the human realm, into the human mindset. And did it with such generosity and such kindness, and humour, that he really, to me, he was a translator of the gods," says singer k.d. lang, who appeared on stage in a heart-stopping rendition of his (and later her) iconic hit Hallelujah. Cohen once joked there should be a moratorium on 'Hallelujah'...."except k.d. lang."
'Hallelujah' is arguably Leonard Cohen's most well-known song, covered by an amazing array of artists. "The saturation point of that song ... has maybe come," says k.d. lang. "But as a song, I probably will never exhaust the possibilities that the lyrics give me."

That incredible night has been released as a new documentary Leonard Cohen If It Be Your Will, now available on CBC Gem.

The film, thoughtfully curated by the Leonard Cohen estate, features rare and intimate footage of Cohen reflecting on pivotal moments in his remarkable life, including his time at Manhattan's iconic Chelsea Hotel, his relationship with muse Marianne Ihlen and his triumphant return to live performances well into his 70s.
In 2016, Leonard Cohen learned that his lover and muse, Marianne Ihlen, was dying of leukemia. He penned a letter to her, a final goodbye, and then died four months after her.

Cohen's son and collaborator, Adam Cohen, pays tribute to his father with behind-the-scenes moments, home videos and interviews with friends and family. He takes to the stage to perform some of his father's songs backed by Cohen's original band and musicians from the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.
"I grew up next to this enormous tree and my fate was to be in his midst. My father was incredibly generous and didn't have this feeling of self-importance. His music does live on, the thing that he was so grateful for. 'Thank you,' he would say, 'for keeping my songs alive.' And the world is doing that," Adam says.

Cohen's songs are brought to life by a star-studded lineup that includes Sting, Elvis Costello, Lana del Rey, The Lumineers, Damien Rice, Patrick Watson and Courtney Love.

Commentary and cameo performances by Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel, Celine Dion and others invite the audience to laugh, cry and celebrate a man who is one of the greatest songwriters of our time.

Says Leonard himself on screen, "I'm not just interested in going from city to city to gather the applause of the people. You don't want to go in front of people unless you feel you can give them something, and you can return to them the love that they feel.

To me, one of the best things I can do is to write a song and sing it to people. It's just my voice. Each man has a song, and this is my song."

B4real wrote: ↑Sun Nov 24, 2024 11:51 pm ...These links can be seen in Australia and hopefully you can see them in Canada too!...

In November 2017, the Bell Centre in Montreal became a sacred ground where thousands gathered to honour the poetic brilliance of Leonard Cohen.

“Tower of Song: A Memorial Tribute to Leonard Cohen” was more than a concert; it was a mesmerising symphony of music, memories and heartfelt tributes.

Featuring Cohen’s original band and musicians from the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the event included performances by Sting, Elvis Costello, Lana Del Rey, Feist, Damien Rice, The Lumineers, k.d. lang, Courtney Love, and Cohen’s son and collaborator, Adam Cohen, among others.

This documentary combines the electrifying performances from that evening with intimate interviews and rare archival footage of Leonard Cohen. Offstage, Adam Cohen, and other artists, share personal anecdotes and reflections, highlighting Cohen’s impact on their lives and his profound influence in the world of music. These insights paint a rich portrait of Leonard Cohen, as an artist and man.

8.35pm Friday, 27 December on SBS.

astranger wrote: ↑Sat Dec 28, 2024 8:37 am I hope we get to see this in the US!

The only film officially sanctioned by the Cohen family, IF IT BE YOUR WILL evokes the essence of Cohen's work: it’s a blend of melancholy, hope, and deep human insight. More than an homage, it's a heartfelt celebration of Leonard Cohen's life and legacy, inviting audiences to laugh, cry, and find solace in the timeless music and words of one of the most influential writers, poets, and songwriters of our time. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Cohen's work, this unique cinematic experience is an emotional journey into the soul of a legend.

B4real wrote: ↑Thu Jun 12, 2025 1:24 am 2025 Winner
Rockie Awards

Leonard Cohen: If It Be Your Will