{"id":1604,"date":"2022-07-13T11:22:53","date_gmt":"2022-07-13T18:22:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/?p=1604"},"modified":"2022-07-14T15:54:52","modified_gmt":"2022-07-14T22:54:52","slug":"hallelujah-leonard-cohen-a-journey-a-song","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/2022\/hallelujah-leonard-cohen-a-journey-a-song\/","title":{"rendered":"Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Halleluhjah-203x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1609\" width=\"102\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Halleluhjah-203x300.jpg 203w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Halleluhjah-691x1024.jpg 691w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Halleluhjah-768x1138.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Halleluhjah.jpg 1037w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 102px) 100vw, 102px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song<\/em> is a definitive exploration of singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen as seen through the prism of his internationally renowned hymn, \u201cHallelujah.\u201d This feature-length documentary weaves together three creative strands: The songwriter and his times; the song\u2019s dramatic journey from record label reject to chart-topping hit; and moving testimonies from major recording artists for whom \u201cHallelujah\u201d has become a personal touchstone. Approved for production by Leonard Cohen just before his 80<sup>th<\/sup> birthday in 2014, the film accesses a wealth of never-before-seen archival materials from the Cohen Trust including Cohen\u2019s personal notebooks, journals and photographs, performance footage and extremely rare audio recordings and interviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoe C. comments, \u201cThis captivating documentary shows the origins and evolution of the iconic song \u201cHallelujah,\u201d written by poet, author, singer\/songwriter and musician Leonard Cohen. A song that transcends generations, \u2018Hallelujah\u2019 is more than music; it is a work of art and this film is an immersive exploration of this iconic song.\u201d &nbsp;See her full review below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song<br>By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Enjoy Zoe C.&#039;s review of Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mbdY5GS5By0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Hallelujah.b-226x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1607\" width=\"170\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Hallelujah.b-226x300.jpg 226w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Hallelujah.b-770x1024.jpg 770w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Hallelujah.b-768x1021.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Hallelujah.b.jpg 1155w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 170px) 100vw, 170px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This captivating documentary shows the origins and evolution of the iconic song \u201cHallelujah,\u201d written by poet, author, singer\/songwriter and musician Leonard Cohen. A song that transcends generations, \u201cHallelujah\u201d is more than music; it is a work of art and this film is an immersive exploration of this iconic song.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The documentary narrates how Cohen started his music career back in the \u201860\u2019s. Disappointed by his lack of success in the literary world, Cohen decided to explore a career in music, despite not intending to sing or play an instrument. In fact, Cohen didn\u2019t start writing songs until age 30. The narration in the film explores his early success in music and other aspects of his life, including his Jewish roots, politics, relationships and more. He was a spiritual seeker and his oeuvre constantly gravitated around spirituality. \u201cHallelujah,\u201d his most renowned song, was released in 1984. The song is a moment of realization\u2014a revelation\u2014about love and loss, and it touches the listener in so many different ways. The song is so larger-than-life it\u2019s almost its own person, and we see how it has become an anthem.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/hallelujah.c-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1606\" width=\"225\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/hallelujah.c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/hallelujah.c-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/hallelujah.c-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/hallelujah.c.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>As of today, there are over 300 cover versions of \u201cHallelujah.\u201d Originally 150-180 verses were written for \u201cHallelujah\u201d until the perfect edition of the song was written. More popular versions have come from artists Eric Church, Jeff Buckley and John Cale. Through many different interviews, the documentary shows how most people know the song through Jeff Buckley and many thought he wrote it. It was really interesting to me to see how a lot of the film is devoted to Leonard\u2019s spirituality. One of my favorite clips was the 2009 Coachella concert where Cohen sang \u201cHallelujah,\u201d and you could really feel how moved and captivated the audience was. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Hallelujah.d-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1605\" width=\"225\" height=\"149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Hallelujah.d-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Hallelujah.d-1024x679.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Hallelujah.d-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Hallelujah.d.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The visuals, the archived interviews and footage are all nicely arranged. I particularly enjoyed listening to the interviews with various artists, reporters and people that were close to Cohen and to witness the warmth that emanated from him. One I found very interesting was with Vicky Jenson, where she talks about how \u201cHallelujah\u201d was used in the movie Shrek. Another washow singer Judy Collins remembers when she first met him how he didn\u2019t believe in his own music. Cohen\u2019s work was not always praised as some music labels rejected his albums, but his talent has proved to be immortal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The message of the film is that music is cross-generational, and it establishes an emotional connection that unites people in a powerful way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I give <em>Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song<\/em> 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for audiences 12 to 18, plus adults. <em>Hallelujah, Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song<\/em> opens in select theaters July 15, 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"HALLELUJAH: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song | Official Trailer (2022)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/11IPQYZMXjc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hallelujah: Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song is a definitive exploration of singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen as seen through the prism of his internationally renowned hymn, \u201cHallelujah.\u201d This feature-length documentary weaves together three creative strands: The songwriter and his times; the song\u2019s dramatic journey from record label reject to chart-topping hit; and moving testimonies from major recording artists for whom \u201cHallelujah\u201d has become a personal touchstone. Approved for production by Leonard Cohen just before his 80th birthday in 2014, the film accesses a wealth of never-before-seen archival materials from the Cohen Trust including Cohen\u2019s personal notebooks, journals and photographs, performance footage and extremely rare audio recordings and interviews.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Zoe C. comments, \u201cThis captivating documentary shows the origins and evolution of the iconic song \u201cHallelujah,\u201d written by poet, author, singer\/songwriter and musician Leonard Cohen. A song that transcends generations, \u2018Hallelujah\u2019 is more than music; it is a work of art and this film is an immersive exploration of this iconic song.\u201d  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4],"tags":[1422,1414,1410,156,1425,1412,1428,251,1424,1427,1421,1420,1411,1417,1415,1409,1408,1418,1416,1426,1429,1423,1419,1413],"class_list":["post-1604","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-film-critics-blog","tag-allsion-crowe","tag-anthem","tag-barenaked-ladies","tag-bible","tag-columbia-records","tag-dan-geller","tag-dayne-goldfine","tag-faith","tag-folk-rock","tag-hallelujah","tag-holy-ghost","tag-jeff-buckley","tag-john-cale","tag-john-lissauer","tag-joy","tag-judy-collins","tag-leonard-cohen","tag-poetry","tag-religion","tag-rufus-wainwright","tag-samson-and-delilah","tag-shrek","tag-steven-page","tag-various-positions"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1604","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1604"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1604\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1615,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1604\/revisions\/1615"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1604"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1604"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/juror\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1604"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}