The Film Sheep without A Shepherd and Psychoanalytic Theory

郭佳明

Abstract：This paper focuses on the analysis on the character Li Weijie of the Chinese film Sheep without A Shepherd through using the psychoanalytic theory.

Key words：Film;Sheep without A Shepherd;Psychoanalytic Theory

1.Introduction to the film and the psychoanalytic theory

Released on December 13，2019，this film Sheep without a shepherd was well received by audience.Set on a small town and in Thailand，the film is about a story of a Chinese father Li Weijie，a cinephile who has watched more than 1，000 movies，fighting against the police through using his wisdom to protect his eldest daughter Pingping，who kills the son of the chief of police bureau accidently after being raped by him.

According to Sigmund Freud，human personality is complex and has more than a single component.In his famous psychoanalytic theory，F(xiàn)reud states that personality is composed of three elements known as the id，the ego，and the superego.These elements work together to create complex human behaviors[1].These elements are not separate but dynamic，interacting with each other and producing conflict all the time.

Knowing Sucha，the son of the chief of police，is killed by accident by Pingping，Li Weijie decides to cover the truth albeit he is a devout Buddhist.He makes use of some skills which he learns from movies to make his familys crime go out the window.In the process of impunity，Li eventually makes up his mind to surrender himself to the law after some incidents impact.During the process，we can use the psychoanalytic theory s three elements to analyse Lis personality and his behaviours.

2.Analysis on the character Lis personality and behaviours

According to Freud，the id is the source of all psychic energy，making it the primary component of personality.It is driven by the pleasure principle，which strives for immediate gratification of all desires，wants，and needs[1].The id often remains illogical and selfish.Knowing the death of Sucha，Lis instinct is to stand up for his family，that is，to follow his id.This kind of instinct is from the love to his family，not considering the reality and moral standards.Love，as an ancient and universal human passion，can unconsciously impact our behaviours to a great extent in some ways.In addition，the polices brutality and the contradiction between opposing classes，making Li has to keep the truth from his family no matter what he has done is wrong in principle.When Li tries to destroy Suchas car，a shepherd with his sheep appears.The sheep witness what is happening，which makes Li begin to feel nervous.This sense is from his superego.The superego holds the internalized moral standards and ideals that we acquire from our parents and society（our sense of right and wrong）[1].It makes Li tense because，behind his behaviour is the fact that is contrary to morality.Another detail is that a cop shots a sheep next to Li，signaling that the sheep becomes Lis scapegoat.（Sheep were often used as sacrificial animals in the Bible.）The death of the sheep makes Li feel a lead softball in his chest again.When the chief of police arrives at Lis backyard to make sure whether Suchas body is buried there，to her surprise，there is only a dead sheep in the coffin.Seeing the bloodstain on internal side of the cover of the coffin，it dawns on Li that Sucha is buried alive and has a desperating struggle.Lis eyes suddenly look dull，a sign that the sense of guilty become stronger.His superego reminds him of what he has done is sin again.

According to Freud，The ego develops from the id and ensures that the impulses of the id can be expressed in a manner acceptable in the real world[2].The ego is the component of personality that is responsible for dealing with reality[3].Li and his family successfully deceive the police and everyone believes that his family is innocent.After crossing the sea under camouflage，Anan，Lis younger daughter，gives Li an examination paper which is changed secretly from 70 points to 100 points.Li Weijie then realizes that Anan learns to how to cheat under his influence.Conflict between his id and ego is produced again.He would give his daughter a better education.The imbalance between Lis id，ego and superego makes him anxious all the time，thus resulting in a struggling mind.The masses start a riot.At the heart of the reason of the rebellion is Lis lies.The sin of his mind，failed education and guiltless people make him full of anxiety，behind which is three elements interaction and fights.It is easy to find that how conflict might arise between a persons id，ego and superego.Li finally chooses to take responsibility for his sin under the influence of the three elements.The anxiety from Li Weijies inner world urges him to tell the truth and choose the redemption which could bring him a glint of hope.

References

[1]Boag S.Ego，drives，and the dynamics of internal objects.Front Psychol.2014;5：666.doi：10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00666

[2]Pulcu E.An evolutionary perspective on gradual formation of superego in the primal horde.Front Psychol.2014;5：8.doi：10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00008

[3]Bargh JA，Morsella E.The Unconscious Mind.Perspect Psychol Sci.2008;3（1）：73-9.doi：10.1111/j.1745-6916.2008.00064.x