Glass Heart

Featuring powerful, authentic performances and exciting, inspirational creativity, Glass Heart (Netflix) reminds us how music can bring people together no matter how alone they might feel.

I was hooked from the opening episode of Glass Heart and particularly appreciated the show’s visual depiction of sound.

I then fell in love with drummer, Akane Saijo. Wonderfully portrayed by Yu Miyazaki, this is a character with energy and heart to spare.

I confess that I was less interested in musical genius, Naoki Fujitani (Takeru Satoh). After an intriguing introduction, he began to irritate me with his “the rules don’t apply to me, I’m special” approach to life. However, as the show went on, I warmed to him and he won me over in the end.

I loved and wanted even more from the remaining two band members – guitarist, Sho Takaoka (Keita Machida), and pianist Kazushi Sakamoto (Jun Shison). Notably Masaki Suda gives a scene stealing performance as rival vocalist, Toya Shinzaki.

The songs in Glass Heart are really impressive and relevant to the narrative. Meanwhile, the musical performances are incredibly authentic – thanks to the cast’s long-term commitment to their roles.

There were a few moments during the first half of Glass Heart that I feared that the show may not have the courage of its convictions.

I needn’t have worried. The drama remains true to its exploration of music as a communal experience and the joy and burden of creativity.