iNumber Number: 'Reeks of blood, mud and sweat'

"iNumber Number" is the final film in the World Extreme Cinema (WEC) event at the Human Trust Cinema Shibuya, in Tokyo, and suffice to say, it takes the "hit me on a gut level" statement to a new dimension. WEC was designed to showcase raw talent from the world's indie scene — prepare to be shocked. "iNumber Number" (also released as "Avenged") is a South African production, and the whole thing reeks of blood, mud and sweat.

Set in Soweto, the story takes us into the world of Johannesburg's police force, where corruption is the norm. Chili (S'dumo Mtshali) is an undercover cop who has managed to stay clean and do his job, but it turns out his boss has screwed him over. To put things right, Chili teams up with his partner (Presley Chweneyagae) to pull off their own heist, on a gang they had already infiltrated.

We've seen the story a million times before, but in this setting, with a fresh, engaging cast, "iNumber Number" feels exotic, with the allure of bitter chocolate or a strange dream.

World Extreme Cinema runs until Oct. 17, at Human Trust Cinema Shibuya, Tokyo.