title: The Lone Scalpel
text: # The Lone Scalpel
  
  The Lone Scalpel (孤高のメス, Kokō no Mesu) is a 2010 Japanese medical drama film directed by Izuru Narushima. The film was nominated for Best Picture at the 34th Japan Academy Prize.
  
  ## Cast
  
  * Shinichi Tsutsumi as Dr. Toma
  * Yui Natsukawa as Ryoko Nakamura
  * Hisashi Yoshizawa
  * Noriko Nakagoshi
  * Yutaka Matsushige
  * Hiroki Narimiya as Nakamura's adult son
  * Kenichi Yajima
  * Mitsuru Hirata
  * Kimiko Yo
  * Katsuhisa Namase
  * Akira Emoto
  
  ## Reception
  
  Critics praised Shinichi Tsutsumi's "always excellent" acting and Yui Natuskawa's "superbly modulated performance". Others criticized the story: "Though somewhat melodramatic, and with a highly convoluted story rife with subplots, the film has enough intensity to keep its momentum going."
  
  