Glass Heart

Great, great, great...

Great show, great acting, great music, great chemistry and characters. I was captivated by this magic, I became a Tenblank fan in a minute. Great musicans and singers.
The series portrayed the personality and inner world of a true genius in a truly realistic way, In my mind, a genius, a true artist is exactly like Naoki Fujitani. Satoh Takeru gave a brilliant performance, his acting and performing arts were at such a high level, I have rarely seen anything like that earlier. Among other things, that's why this production worked so well. Satoh Takeru is a genius for me and his voice... amazing.
I loved all the characters, all the bandmates, Kazushi (he was my favorite, I secretly hoped Akane would choose him, even though I was happy for Akane and Fujitani's love), Takakoka, Akane, they were so loveable, cool, special and charismatic. I really liked how they connected each other, their unique stories that brought them together, and how they stood by each other until the end. The ups and downs, in joy and sorrow, in success and failure they were one family, one invincible team. I would definitely mention the roles of Toya and Yukino, they really fit into the story and made it even more interesting.
What's a bit negative is that I didn't feel a huge breakthrough with Akane's character, I often felt the character was a bit boring and didn't develop much. Akane's character could have had a lot more potential, but in the last part, she really came to life.
The series showed what the power and love of music really means, and how to make a huge impact.
Another plus point is that it was really nice to hear the familiar song (Hikaru U.-First love) from Satoh's previous successful series, I really like it when similar references appear in a series. :)
I am very grateful to the creators, the actors and the entire crew for this special and lasting experience. Music is the cure for everything.

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Maddeningly Good

This show made me mad. Not because it was bad or disappointing (like, frankly, so many of its peers), but because it got me. Hit me right in the heart, and I wasn't expecting it.

If you've read any of my reviews you'll know I carry a certain cynicism about Japanese live-action. I often find it to be cartoonish, awkward, and pointless. Countless experiences with shows like these has built up an armor for me, a way for me to relegate any new j-drama as a fun but ultimately shallow pass time, like a Netflix doc that stretches a few too many episodes. So I was caught completely off guard when Glass Heart demanded my attention immediately and didn't let go. Even a frankly cliche few opening minutes carried some magic in it, some hint of secret sauce which Netflix has been using to raise the bar on k-dramas in recent years. And as the show started to weave its plot, to develop its characters, to hint its themes, I was bewildered.

This show is undeniably a j-drama. Traces of their DNA is scattered across every episode: over-earnest protagonists, a genius male lead to outshine the rest, infectious angst, and abrupt monologues in which a character seems to blurt out their deepest complexities like a self psychiatrist. And yet here we find an extra layer of subtlety, a necessary injection of hope and ambition, and most importantly an idea. To make everything worthwhile they've managed to build the show around a group of core ideas, intrinsic facets of the human experience which bear exploring. My unshakeable hate for the "quirky genius ml showing fl the light" trope was finally toppled by the fascinating motif that "the sound of a genius makes ordinary people miserable." What a fascinating, resonant message. I'm so upset.

I have a friend who hates the movie Up. She calls it emotional manipulation. Finally I understand how she feels, because I was swept up so swiftly and completely into the emotions of this show that I couldn't help but feel offended by its audacity. It left me with the same hollow wonder that Your Name did, a certain gaping hole where a mountain of feeling had just carved its way through. I resent it. But I cannot deny that it is the foundation of a truly outstanding show. Well done.

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This show wrecked me (and that's a compliment)!

Now, is this show 'perfect'? Not quite-- there are admittedly some pretty unrealistic parts at times that do require viewers' suspension of disbelief to be in good healthy working order, LOL, and I wasn't fond of the spinny camerawork that's used (thankfully only just) a couple of times, either-- however, the characterization and relationships and emotion and just plain love that is woven throughout this are all quite powerful, and the overall production, music, and acting are at a quality level so insanely high that it's almost unreal (especially after finding out that whenever you can see the characters playing instruments, the actors were truly actually playing-- and had practiced incredibly hard for over a full year each before filming to be able to do so!), so I couldn't help but give it a full 10 overall even without complete-'perfection,' because this really is a masterpiece of labor and love.

Every actor was perfectly cast, but Takeru Satoh in particular (who also was actually the producer for this series!) was downright *incandescent* as the eccentric yet guileless and (usually) softly-caring musical savant who is the core that both the entire story as well as all the other characters revolve around-- he embodied that character so utterly that not only did I literally not even recognize him as the same actor who played Kenshin until I actually looked it up, but it was like the character didn't even exist and he just truly lived and breathed his soul (which is no surprise if you know about his supreme dedication to his roles-- to the point where he even *did his own stunts* in the Kenshin movies, which is just a flat-out *crazy* level of commitment in a work with that much {and that kind of} action!). And Keita Machida (who plays guitarist Sho), and Masaki Suda (who plays Toya, the leader of the band OVER CHROME), are also standout highlights in this already stellar cast.

As for the music, given its absolute importance for a work of this type, you'd fully expect it to be fantastic, and it truly is-- both the official TENBLANK tracks (which were released as an actual album in real life, and I'm really glad they did, because they're plenty great enough to want to listen to even on their own!) as well as all the various composing/jam sessions, collabs, piano playing, and even just background music throughout are all so darn good it's insane. I was alternately rocking out, getting goosebumps, holding back tears, and just plain stunned by its beauty in turns. This show's music is magic (and I have not stopped listening to it on loop since I watched it!).

As for the story: At first you'll think that it's going to be about the female lead character getting her dream back, then you'll think it's going to be about the male lead character forming a super-band and the typical story arc that sort of thing would take... however, it turns out that it's not really about any of that at all-- it's more about the beauty of music itself; and what a tangled web of affection and attachment can do to and for all the people wrapped within it; and what can make a person feel like living again; and finally fulfilling what one was born to do; and living each day to the fullest because there is no telling when it will end; and loving those around you purely, even if it hurts. And yes, sometimes the plot itself takes some extra-dramatic turns; however, even the parts that require suspension of disbelief somehow still worked here, because the themes are more important.

Now, to address some rather odd complaints that I've seen around here saying that the romance in this supposedly 'came out of nowhere' 'late in the show': Please be serious, guys... if you really didn't already fully assume that there was going to be a romance AFTER THE VERY OPENING SEQUENCE OF EPISODE 1 (where the FL and ML practically intertwined souls or somesuch through their music, LOL), then I'm sorry but I think you need to read some more shoujo manga to get a lock on the tropes, LOL, because it was honestly super obvious that they were going to be a thing right from the very start (and even *more* so when it was made perfectly clear that Sakamoto was a tsundere in episode 2 already-- because, again, knowing the tropes, it was also obvious that he'd of course then be the doomed secondary love interest, placing the ML as the definite endgame for the FL. BY EPISODE 2). And the romantic themes were plenty woven into the show in even more ways, as well, from a number of the ML's own comments and song lyrics to the fact that practically every character in the entire show (other than Mr. Tsundere Boy, obviously, plus of course the Overchrome bandmembers, who {along with a completely different connection to the ML that I won't spoil} have their own thing going on...), regardless of gender even, are either obsessed with the ML and/or his talent, or are just straight-(and not-so-straight-)up in love with him, or both! (Which, I mean, is perfectly understandable, LOL; as my viewing partner aptly put it, the ML truly is mesmerizing.) So yeah, it certainly didn't come out of nowhere; it was literally there the entire time.

Anyway, all that said: Given some of my hints about the themes mentioned before, you can probably guess that this is not a typical happy-ending type of show. And it wouldn't have been anyway, even if it hadn't had an open ending. Now, I usually hate open-style endings the most (I'd much rather have proper closure in a story instead, even if that means it's sad, though I do of course prefer happy endings over all other options); however, given the way the story goes, this was actually the very first time in my almost-four-decades of consuming media that a work ended with an open ending and I was actually glad it did-- because it really does end at the best possible place it could to still have a positive feeling of catharsis (even if there is also still a heartwrenching feeling underneath), and also make you continue thinking about the show for a long time afterwards. I felt wrecked at the end (in a good way)-- I believe my exact comments to my viewing partner were, "I am devastated. But it was so good!" And I actually immediately wanted to rewatch the whole show again!

TL;DR: Was it 'perfect'? No. But it's still a masterpiece. And for me that's what earns an overall rating of 10/10.

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I feel like it's a drama one can relate to...

I feel like it's a drama one can relate to even if you're simply an ordinary person. I don't know how to explain it but I feel like if we think deeply about it, there are characters in the show we can relate to somehow. We might not be geniuses nor talented individuals but we can relate on their struggles. The music just resonates deep inside. Personally, for some reason, I can relate on how we just simply wanted to be heard, although I don't know if the other viewers also can find this theme in the drama. It also made me think on how short but beautiful life can be internally. Sorry. I just want somewhere where I can write how much I love the drama. And how I wish that there could be more dramas like these. I love their bond. Or maybe I am simply biased because I love good music and band story. Although there are parts in the story that I might find a little bit cringey but the overall is actually good. The music, I can totally vibe in it. The actors' performances are all amazing and I admired them more for their dedication when I found out how they even attended lessons for these. I will rewatch it simply because I want to hear the music again and again and watch the artists perform. Also I like the emotional parts. Made me totally cry.

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The Soundtrack Saved the Story, and I’m Not Mad About It

I absolutely LOVED Glass Heart! It’s a full 9/10 from me. The plot did get a little messy at times, but honestly, the AMAZING MUSIC made up for it. Every song, every performance, every little melody just pulled me right in. As a total music junkie, this show had me hooked from the very first episode.

The musicality was insane — like, genuinely top-tier. You can tell everyone involved knew what they were doing. And yes, the fact that all the actors are super good-looking definitely didn’t hurt either 😅 It just made the whole experience even more fun to watch.

Now… my only real complaint is the romance subplot. I don’t think it was really needed. I went in thinking the relationship between Sajio Akane and Fujitani Naoki would be this wholesome mentor-mentee thing, but it got weird fast. Their chemistry didn’t really land for me — honestly, Naoki had way better chemistry with the guitarist Takaoka Sho (just saying 👀).

Still, despite the messy story moments, Glass Heart completely won me over. The music, the energy, the cast — it all just worked. Honestly, a good rewatch for the music and performances, not the storyline though in my opinion 🤷🏾‍♀️.

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Just five minutes into the show and I was completely hooked!

The very first thing that captured me was the music. I had been going through a slump and stumbled upon this drama with no expectations at all. I knew almost nothing about it except that it involved music a band and Takeru Satoh as part of the cast.

What surprised me most was how deeply the show speaks through its smallest moments. Even a quiet gesture carries meaning and every emotional thread is answered through the songs. The music is not only a backdrop but a voice that adds depth weight and clarity to the story.

I am loving the entire soundtrack. It lifts the drama and gives every scene a pulse that stays with you long after it ends.

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Bello, significativo e pieno di bella musica ed immagini...ma

Un bel drama di stampo quasi occidentale sul mondo della musica con al centro un genio musicale e le persone che lo circondano tra cui una dolce batterista. Trama prevedibile ma sempre bella, con la giusta dose di dramma e musca....oggttivamente mi è piaciuto tanto e avrei voluto veramente amarlo, davvero, ma non sono riuscita a lasciarmi coinvolgere del tutto perchè non trovavo credibile l'attore protagonista. Ma non per colpa della sua recitazione, tengo a precisare. Ma perchè l'avevo appena visto in Marry my husband and An incurable case of love. Per me lui era Quei personaggi ancora nella mia mente. Così ho tenuto per il second lead più che per lui.

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A bit contrived—but full of heart.

When I first started watching this, I was really put off by how overproduced and clean it was. I tend to prefer film that aims for a more realistic vibe over this sort of pristine, highly polished look/sound. I also had the same issue with the plot; it was just really hard to get genuinely invested in something so clearly contrived to bring about a particular final result. That said, there is an earnestness to this show's production that starts to come through, and I think that's what kept me interested. This show clearly wasn't produced just to look/feel good, but with a very specific artistic intention in mind. In spending some time going through BTS clips and learning more about Takeru Satoh's process as co-producer, I found a lot to appreciate about this work as a passion project, and have developed an annoying love for it despite how ridiculously contrived some of it is (the yacht scene in particular comes to mind). Add to that the final episode—literally just an entire live show from start to finish—and Naoki's extremely well-written monologue about why we make music (and art more broadly) that genuinely resonated with me on a profound level—I had a pretty good time all things considered.

Something I definitely want to mention is how authentic all the music in the show and its associated performances were. While they of course didn't write and produce the music themselves (it was the combined effort of 26 brilliant artists from all over the industry), the actors all put tremendous effort into learning their instruments to be able to actually play while acting, which, beyond just being a really impressive feat, gives this show a uniquely authentic aura that I wouldn't have expected after the pilot.

I could say a lot more about this, but anything more would probably wind up repetitive, so I'll keep it at that. If you're a musician, you will almost certainly have a good time with this, especially if you're willing to overlook a few contrivances. 7.5/10

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A heartfelt journey about sound, connection, and the spirit of music

𝗚𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 isn’t just a drama — it’s an experience. From its opening scene, it captures the essence of what it means to live, breathe, and communicate through sound. Watching it as both a viewer and a musician, I felt a deep recognition that went beyond words — an honesty that understands how sound, emotion, and memory can intertwine until they become inseparable.

What makes this series stand out is its 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆. It explores how 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 can shape and consume us — the way it defines who we are, challenges our limits, and sometimes makes us lose our sense of self. For those who truly love 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰, it’s more than just art; it’s spiritual, physical, and mental all at once. Whether through synesthesia, perfect pitch, or simply a soul attuned to sound, 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 captures that deep connection — and shows both its beauty and its danger.

The 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 is breathtaking. Every detail — the blend of nature, silence, instruments, and technology — creates an emotional landscape you can feel as much as you hear. The chemistry between the leads complements that perfectly. Their connection isn’t loud or dramatic — it’s quiet, intuitive, and deeply musical. They communicate not just through words but through rhythm, tone, and shared silence. It’s a story about people learning to reason with one another, to 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 when words fall short.

Some scenes have a 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽𝗽𝘆, dreamlike quality where reality, sound, and emotion start to blur. The show plays with perception — sometimes you don’t know if you’re hearing music or feeling it. One sequence with the female drummer especially stood out, reminiscent of 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵: the exhausting repetition, trembling hands, and relentless pursuit of perfection. It’s haunting in its quiet intensity — a vivid portrayal of how passion and obsession can overlap in the artist’s journey.

Beyond the music, 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 also captures 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆, 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, and 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 in ways that feel sincere, if not perfect. The romance is the weakest link — understated and emotionally distant — but that’s not what this story truly aims for. What it does embody is the idea of being a 𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿: not one who stands alone, but one who stands 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿. These characters find their strength as a band — united through sound, struggle, and shared purpose. They become more than performers; they become 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 by daring to be vulnerable together.

What impressed me most is how it portrays 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 as both gift and burden. It’s not just about talent or passion — it’s about vulnerability, confidence, and the courage it takes to share your truth with the world. There’s a raw honesty here that many 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 dramas avoid. And it’s surprisingly full of emotional turns and musical revelations — moments that catch you off guard and remind you how unpredictable inspiration can be.

But beneath all its style and atmosphere lies a simple, powerful message:
it doesn’t matter what others think or who doubts you. If you have determination and a 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 that comes from the heart, you can create something beautiful. Even when no one believes in you yet, your sound will eventually reach the people it’s meant for.

In the end, 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 captures the 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 in all its forms — its chaos, its peace, its love, its pain, its surprises, and its trance-like pull — and translates it into something profoundly human. It’s about 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘆, and 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 — the one language that never lies. I won’t get into the technical aspects or accuracy of the notes being played, because this is still a show — but that creative leniency is part of why the rating isn’t higher. Emotionally, though, it hits all the right notes.

Pros:
✔ Stunning 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 and emotional use of music
✔ Chemistry that feels raw, natural, and deeply felt
✔ Honest portrayal of the 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲 and artistic sensitivity
✔ Touching depictions of 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆, 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, and shared purpose
✔ Dreamlike, immersive atmosphere with 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽𝗽𝘆 visual rhythm
✔ Powerful 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵-like moments showing artistic obsession
✔ Surprising emotional turns that feel authentic and moving
✔ The 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿 captured through unity, courage, and expression

Cons:
✘ Romance feels underdeveloped and emotionally distant
✘ Pacing may feel slow or abstract for viewers unfamiliar with artistic storytelling
✘ Some of its symbolism may resonate more deeply with musicians than casual audiences
✘ Creative liberties in performance accuracy keep it from reaching perfection

Would I rewatch?
Absolutely. It’s the kind of story that deserves to be experienced again — with headphones on, lights dimmed, and your heart wide open.

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