Watch Hearing Is Believing

Hearing Is Believing is a heartwarming and inspiring documentary that tells the story of a young musician named Rachel Flowers who was born 15 weeks premature and lost her eyesight due to Retinopathy of Prematurity. However, this didn't deter Rachel's love for music and she started playing the piano at just two years of age. The documentary follows Rachel's journey as a musician, starting from her childhood in Oxnard, California, where she creates music by ear alone, to her rise as a YouTube sensation, and finally her first concert tour in Japan. Throughout her journey, Rachel's incredible talent and determination shine through, as she learns to play the guitar, saxophone, and flute, and is recognized as one of the top young jazz pianists in the world.

The film features interviews with Rachel, her family, and many of her musical mentors, including jazz legends like Bill Frisell, Taylor Eigsti, and Dweezil Zappa, who are all struck by her talent and unique abilities. Each of her mentors has something different to offer, but all share a common appreciation for the way Rachel hears and interprets music.

The film includes a mix of archival footage of Rachel's performances from an early age, as well as interviews with her and her family. It also features some moving moments that capture the bond between music and family, such as Rachel's mother listening to her play Johann Sebastian Bach's Prelude in C Major, which she had never heard before, and crying as she recognizes her daughter's talent.

One of the highlights of the film is a brilliant performance by Rachel and bassist, Benny Chong II, of her composition, "On the 20th of May." The song is hauntingly beautiful and perfectly captures Rachel's unique talent and musical style. Other standout performances include Rachel's rendition of Led Zeppelin's "Kashmir" on the flute, and her collaboration with accordionist, Greg Benevidez - a multilayered piece that combines jazz, classical, and world music.

The documentary is also an ode to the power of music and its ability to transcend boundaries, as illustrated by Rachel's visit to Japan, where she performed with a Japanese band, and even sang in Japanese. Rachel's performance in Japan is a defining moment in the film, as she wins the hearts of the audience and demonstrates the power of music to bridge cultures and bring people together.

Overall, Hearing Is Believing is an uplifting and inspiring film that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. It offers an authentic portrayal of Rachel Flowers, a talented musician who overcame incredible odds to pursue her passion for music. The documentary captures the essence of what makes a great musician, from Rachel's prodigious ability to her deep love of music and the joy she brings to her audiences.

Hearing Is Believing is a 2017 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.