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Japan Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
'Glass Heart': A flashy rock fairytale scrubbed of grit
There are drum rolls and eye rolls aplenty during 'Glass Heart,' Netflix's extravagantly insubstantial musical drama about a college student who gets plucked from obscurity to play drums in Japan's hottest new band. Tenblank is the latest venture of Naoki Fujitani (Takeru Satoh), a reclusive musical genius who just can't help being brilliant and looking gorgeous all the time. He's enlisted some top-class collaborators — session guitarist Sho Takaoka (Keita Machida) and keyboardist/track maker Kazushi Sakamoto (Jun Shison) — compared to whom new recruit Akane Saijo (Yu Miyazaki) looks like an enthusiastic amateur. However, Naoki knows she's the right person for the job: They've already jammed together during the show's ludicrous opening sequence, in which they somehow manage to have a duet while he's playing grand piano on a rain-soaked festival stage and she's out in the car park. Don't worry, there's plenty more where that came from. 'I'm sure this sound was a gift from the gods,' Akane declares in voiceover, and 'Glass Heart' is forever reminding you about how great the music you're listening to is. The show drafts in a host of songwriting talent — most notably Radwimps frontman Yojiro Noda and music producer Yaffle — to ensure that Naoki's songs consistently sound like something you might hear on the Spotify Top 50 Japan playlist, albeit without a common signature that would make them feel like the work of a single person. Tenblank's success is preordained, so the show has to find drama in other places: professional and personal rivalries; medical complications; plot contrivances so clunky they're almost funny. Naohito Fujiki gets to embody the evils of the industry as music producer Ichidai Isagi, a Salieri to Naoki's Mozart who's been left creatively impotent since parting ways with his former collaborator. Yet there's a striking lack of friction to the whole thing. This rock fairytale has the sanitized feel of one of those musical biopics that's been pre-approved by the artist's estate. Although 'Glass Heart' is based on a series of light novels by Mio Wakagi, its central narrative is pure shōjo manga (girls' comic) stuff, as Akane falls in love with Naoki while attracting the amorous advances of another bandmate. It should be swoon-inducing, but the conspicuous age gap between Miyazaki and her co-star makes it as awkward as Satoh's onscreen coupling with Nana Mori in 'April, Come She Will' (2024). If you just want to see Satoh (who also produces) playing a rock star, 'Glass Heart' more than delivers. He's in his element during the concert sequences, shot with thousands of extras at musical meccas including Tokyo's Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall. The band members aren't too shabby, either. Miyazaki has an endearing energy, while Machida is well cast as Sho, even if he has to wait until episode eight before he gets anything interesting to do. Shison, sporting thick-rimmed specs and a center part, seems to be cosplaying as Takuya Kimura's character from hit 1990s series 'Asunaro Hakusho' (a suspicion that's confirmed when he re-creates one of that show's most famous scenes). 'Glass Heart' goes out on a triumphant high, with an episode-length concert performance that's clearly modeled on the finale of 'Bohemian Rhapsody.' It's a rousing climax, but there's no escaping the sense that Netflix has blown an enormous amount of cash on a nearly seven-hour music video.
The Review Geek
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Glass Heart – J-drama Episode 3 Recap & Review
Tenblank's TV Debut Episode 3 of Glass Heart begins with the shoot for Crystalline Echo's music video. In the midst of it all, Naoki tells the others he wants the band to play on the TV show Music States. Naoki then gets a visit from Yukino who is shooting at the same studio. Akane seems shocked by how close they seem. Meanwhile, Kai tells Sho her concerns about the band going on TV and about Naoki not taking her opinion on anything. The next morning, Akane comes to the music studio at Naoki's place and finds Kazushi playing his own song. She then learns that they aren't practising that day since Naoki has a performance with Yukino. Akane goes home to help out at her mother's curry shop but finds that her mother has already hired her friend, Eiko, as a replacement. The night before Music States, Akane goes to the music studio alone to practice but is surprised to find Naoki there. He tells her that the world will be introduced to Tenblank the next day and assures her that even through the ups and downs, their band will make it through. The next day, the band arrives at the Music Stage location. Isagi is there and through a conversation with Naoki, we learn that he wrote Yukino's song and agreed to perform with her so Tenblank would get to be the final act of the show. Isagi expects Naoki to write and produce more of Yukino's songs but Naoki doesn't make any promises. Right before the band's rehearsal, Kazushi realises all of their audio tracks are missing. The group sets about recording them again and has to skip rehearsal. Kai tells Akane to head to the makeup rooms, which are located on a boat. On the way, she comes across Yukino who asks her how she doesn't fall in love with Naoki. Akane insists she's focusing on the music. Akane then gets a call from Toya, who is also sure that Akane and Tenblank are going to bomb. Back in the band's tent, Kai realises nobody is listening to her. She heads over to the makeup rooms boat and finds Akane playing the drums in an adjacent room instead. Kai seems overcome with emotion as she thinks about the sync between Naoki and Akane. She then slides the lock outside the room, trapping Akane. The band soon realises she's missing. As they look for her, the boat with the makeup rooms leaves the port and heads out. Akane realises what's happened and call for help. What's worse, her phone is in the other room. Meanwhile, the show begins and Naoki and Yukino play their new single. On the boat, Akane finds another door in the room and finds herself on the highest tier of the boat. She calls for help but no one is there. Luckily, another smaller boat comes towards them and she realises that it has none other than Naoki, Sho, and Kazushi. They get her out and end up making their big debut on the boat itself! Their performance is received well and soon positive comments begin to flood in on social media. Sometime later, the music video for Crystalline Echo comes out as well. As the band watches, Akane is shocked to realise she might be falling for Naoki after all. The Episode Review Glass Heart Episode 3 has some interesting developments. Who knew Kai would try to sabotage her own band? It's intriguing and while we do get some insights on her character — her frustration at being ignored and her insecurities as she compares herself to Akane comes across quite well — I hope the series dives into it in the following episodes too. With Tenblank' successful debut and the social media hype, the stakes are definitely going to be higher from now on. Akane continues to be her wide eyed self though and it is starting to feel a bit one note. Of course, the end of the episode does signal a change but I'd like to see more of Akane than her being awestruck around her band mates. The music continues to be great though with both Tenblank's new song and Yukino and Naoki's new single being solid additions to the soundtrack. Overall the series has a decent pace, never slows down too much, and that touch of melodrama keeps things quite engaging! Previous Episode Next Episode Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes!
The Review Geek
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Glass Heart – J-drama Episode 2 Recap & Review
Tenblank's First Single Episode 2 of Glass Heart begins with Tenblank's first song, Matrix. The crowd begins to cheer but Akane seems stuck in her head. Naoki tells her to just let go and during their second song, Crystalline Echo, she's much better. She even gets a nod of approval from Kazushi. The song gets even louder cheers but somewhere in the audience is a man named Ichidai Isagi, who tells his associate that he will let Naoki spread his wings before bringing him back to him. Later on, Naoki shocks the other band members by telling them they will be recording a single in three days. While out on a walk, Akane marvels at a poster of a singer named Sakurai Yukino. This is the same woman who was with Isagi, who happens to be her manager. While recording the single, Naoki isn't satisfied with Akane's drum playing. He tells her that he wants to see the Akane he knows. Kazushi speaks to Akane aside and tells her not to take Naoki too seriously. He says he doesn't know why Naoki recruited him when he can make all the music himself but he wanted to prove his talent to Naoki. He now tells Akane to do the same. Yukino and Isagi make a surprise appearance at the recording studio. They tell Naoki they want him to record a song with Yukino for her new album. Kai seems hell bent against this but Naoki says he can look out for himself. Akane, meanwhile, is still unable to satisfy Naoki. She comes to the studio one morning to find that he has been working all night. The others try to convince him that the song doesn't need fixing but he's insistent on finding the 'right' version. Akane speaks to Naoki and rightly guesses that he has an issue with Isagi. He admits that he's the one who turned Isagi into the awful person he is today. Naoki then assures her that he won't let her down. At home, Akane continues to practice harder than ever. She turns up at the recording studio one day to see Toya playing the piano. He challenges her to play the drums and she does, until he abruptly stops. He tells her she sounds like Naoki now instead of herself. Once again, he warns her that she will either destroy Naoki's sound or he will destroy her. After another jam session where Toya dismisses Akane's skills, he tells her to buy him food. Over noodles, Toya tells Akane that Naoki quit music a few years ago because someone stole his song. The thief later lost his talent and reputation. Toya then spots Naoki outside the noodle shop. While the three are walking, Toya asks Naoki about selling himself out to Isagi. He then taunts Naoki and tells him to keep writing masterpieces until he ends up a dead genius, like John Lennon. Akane looks worried at this and rushes away. Naoki goes after her and gives her a flash drive with the base recorded on it. Akane then asks him if she has what it takes to play his music. He replies with another question — if he died the next day, would she keep playing the drums? She's quiet for a bit but then runs across the road, telling Naoki that she would continue. Nevertheless, she doesn't want him to die like John Lennon. The next day, Naoki approves of Akane's recording in the studio. The new single is soon ready! The Episode Review Glass Heart Episode 2 gives us a bit more insight into the characters, which is much needed after the rollercoaster of a pilot. Things definitely slow down and we get multiple insightful conversations that Akane has with Kazushi, Toya and Naoki. There's a lot of talk about talent and dreams and being yourself, but it all fits in with the romantic vibe of the J-drama in general. Naoki's dialogues are also just as mystical as the rest of his character. Naoki's dramatics continue as well and considering the scene where Sho has to pull him off the keyboard, you do need to suspend belief to fully buy into his genius persona. But we also get some added mystery around Isagi and his conflict with Naoki, as well as some solid new music. The change in the way Akane plays in the first scene of the episode will probably make more sense to people more attuned to music and minor changes in sound. But despite that, the story continues to be full of heart and highly engaging! Previous Episode Next Episode Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes!
NDTV
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
OTT And Theatrical Releases This Week: Dhadak 2, Pati Patni Aur Panga And More
New Delhi: Get ready for a cinematic treat. Exciting new releases are hitting both OTT platforms and theatres this week. Whether you're in the mood for romance, drama, action, or comedy, there's something for every taste and preference. From big-budget movies to indie flicks, here's a look at what's new and trending in the world of OTT and theatrical releases. Kingdom (July 31) - Theatres Directed by Gowtham Tinnanuri, the film features Vijay Deverakonda as a cop. The cast also includes Satyadev and Bhagyashri Borse in key roles. The music for the movie is composed by composer Anirudh Ravichander. Glassheart (July 31) - Netflix Based on Mio Wakagi's novel, the Japanese series follows Akane Saijo, a talented drummer who gets kicked out of her band right before they're set to debut. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she's recruited by the enigmatic Naoki Fujitani to join the band Tenblank. As they strive for stardom, Akane and her bandmates fight their personal demons and the cutthroat music industry. Leanne (July 31) - Netflix The sitcom features comedian Leanne Morgan as a resilient Southern mom who starts over after her husband leaves her, with the support of her family. The show also features Kristen Johnston, Celia Weston and Blake Clark in supporting roles. Son of Sardaar 2 (August 1) - Theatres The film is a spiritual sequel to the 2012 action comedy film Son of Sardaar and features Ajay Devgn, Mrunal Thakur, Ravi Kishan and Sanjay Mishra. The plot revolves around Jassi, who travels to Scotland to reconcile with his estranged wife but gets entangled in a mob conflict and a chaotic Sikh wedding. Dhadak 2 (August 1) - Theatres Headlined by Triptii Dimri and Siddhant Chaturvedi, the film is a spiritual sequel to the 2018 film Dhadak It is also a remake of the Tamil film Pariyerum Perumal (2018). The story focuses on Nilesh and Vidhi, a couple who fall in love but encounter challenges due to societal caste differences. My Oxford Year (August 1) - Netflix The film is inspired by Julia Whelan's novel of the same name. The story follows Anna, an ambitious young American woman fulfilling her dream of studying at Oxford University. She falls for a charming Brit hiding a secret that may upend her perfectly planned life. It stars Sofia Carson and Corey Mylchreest in lead roles. Chief of War (August 1) - Apple TV+ The series centres on the unification of the Hawaiian Islands, told from an indigenous perspective. It follows a Hawaiian war chief, played by Jason Momoa, who leads a campaign to unite the warring islands against the threat of colonisation. Beyond the Bar (August 2) - Netflix The K-drama follows a female lawyer, who recently joined a new law firm. She is upright and confident but socially awkward. Over the course of 12 episodes, she grows into a full-fledged professional with the help of her seemingly cold but skilled partner. The story is also based on real-life legal cases. Pati Patni Aur Panga (August 2) - Jio Hotstar The reality series will feature celebrity couples navigating the complexities of their relationships. The show's premise is to offer fun and unconventional challenges to the couple that put their bond to the test whilst sparking a laughter ride. Perfect Match Season 3 (August 2) - Netflix In the reality series, singles pair up and participate in challenges that test their compatibility in a tropical paradise. The winning couples get to shake things up by setting up new dates for their fellow contestants, which can lead to new connections and dramatic twists. Meanwhile, those who don't find a match face elimination, adding an extra layer of excitement and tension to the show.
