You are here:

Heart Beats

Heart Beats

Representation Score

4.1/10

Fair

2021

Director

Hiroto Takahashi

Runtime

104 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Heart Beats is a traditional romance that sticks closely to established genre conventions. The narrative centers on the personal emotional journey of its main characters rather than engaging with broader social or identity-based discussions. While the film offers a detailed look at unrequited love and evolving romantic feelings, it lacks the intention to challenge traditional structures. The story unfolds within a culturally specific, homogeneous framework. Ultimately, the film prioritizes individual romantic development over addressing characters who reflect more than one aspect of diversity or systemic issues.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Heart Beats have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The story centers on a traditional heterosexual relationship between Tsukasa and Hayato. It follows typical romantic patterns without addressing non-straight identities or challenging assumptions about straight relationships.

How does Heart Beats portray gender?

Fair

Tsukasa plays a central role in the emotional storyline as the female protagonist. However, the plot revolves around Hayato, who serves as the main driver of the romantic arc, reinforcing traditional gender roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Heart Beats?

Fair

The film operates in a largely uniform social setting. There is no indication of diverse casting or characters representing underrepresented ethnic backgrounds.

How does Heart Beats represent religion and culture?

Fair

Themes focus on individual emotional growth and interpersonal relationships. The narrative emphasizes traditional romantic milestones without offering critiques of cultural or religious systems.

Does Heart Beats include disability representation?

Minimal

The story does not include characters dealing with physical disabilities, neurodivergent conditions, or mental health issues.

Present on Screen

  • Offers a focused character study of emotional development through its female protagonist.
  • Explores the intricacies of unrequited affection and changing romantic feelings.

Limited or Absent

  • Does not include representation of LGBTQ+ identities or challenge traditional heterosexual clichés.
  • Maintains traditional gender roles where the male lead drives the emotional plot.
  • Does not feature diverse ethnic backgrounds or characters from underrepresented groups.
  • Does not engage with systemic, cultural, or religious critiques.

Official Synopsis

When Tsukasa was a middle school student, she had a crush on transfer student Hayato and even confessed her feelings to him. She was turned down by Hayato. Now, Tsukasa and Hayato are classmates in high school. Hayato treats Tsukasa as just a friend, but Tsukasa still has feelings for him. Meanwhile, Hayato becomes attracted to Tsukasa.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.