Sheep Without a Shepherd

La Wen is the police chief leading the inquiry, determined to uncover the truth about the murder and the forged alibi. She pursues leads with strict efficiency but becomes entangled in aggressive tactics that push ethical boundaries. Her actions help expose the manipulation but eventually draw scrutiny and consequences.

Ping Ping is the victim of sexual assault who becomes entwined in the cover-up after the crime. She exhibits resilience amid trauma, and her involvement highlights the film’s exploration of guilt and moral ambiguity. Her role underscores the lasting impact of the crime on young lives.

Ayu is Ping Ping’s mother who fiercely defends her daughter and confronts the attacker. She is drawn into the danger of escalating violence as the investigation unfolds and the family’s alibi is tested. Her courage and fear drive much of the emotional weight of the story.

Li Weijie is an internet technician who constructs a falsified sequence of events to shield his family. He uses his professional access and keen observation to steer witnesses and plant a credible alibi. Beneath his calculated exterior, guilt slowly erodes his resolve as the case unfolds.

Su Cha is the privileged antagonist who exploits power to threaten Ping Ping. His sudden murder marks a turning point in the investigation and reveals the lengths to which privilege can protect or condemn. His actions catalyze the central conflict of the film.

Du Peng is the mayor and Su Cha’s father, a figure of authority whose family’s actions bring him to disgrace. He resigns in the wake of the scandal as the system’s facade starts to crack. His fall underscores the fragility of political power when faced with public scrutiny.

Song En is the restaurant owner whose testimony is used to bolster Weijie’s alibi. He becomes part of the manipulated web of witnesses that complicates the investigation. His role illustrates how ordinary people can be drawn into a cover-up.

An An is Ping Ping’s younger sister and the most vulnerable member of the family. She faces coercive pressure during police questioning and bears the emotional toll of the family’s actions. Her presence highlights the cost of the crime on the innocent.

Sang Kun is a local police officer who distrusts Weijie and ultimately helps push the case forward. His reputation for misbehavior complicates his testimony, yet his observations become crucial to linking events. He embodies the tension between personal bias and professional duty.