The Raffle (1991) – A Controversial Tale of Beauty, Desperation, and Desire
Genre: Drama, Romance
Director: Francesco Laudadio
Starring: Monica Bellucci, Giulio Scarpati, Massimo Ghini
The Raffle (La Riffa) marks the film debut of Monica Bellucci in a provocative and emotionally charged Italian drama that explores themes of survival, power, and female agency. Bellucci stars as Francesca, a stunning young widow left with crippling debts after her husband’s sudden death. Faced with the threat of losing everything, she devises a bold and morally complex solution: she offers herself as the prize in a private raffle, selling 20 expensive tickets to a circle of wealthy men—one of whom will win a night with her.
As the plan unfolds, the film navigates the line between seduction and vulnerability, raising questions about autonomy and exploitation. Bellucci brings both strength and sensitivity to the role, portraying Francesca as a woman determined to reclaim control in a society that often commodifies beauty.
Francesco Laudadio’s direction avoids overt sensationalism, opting instead for a more nuanced tone that highlights the emotional and social tensions at play. The lush cinematography and intimate settings reflect the film’s blend of glamour and desperation.
While The Raffle stirred controversy for its subject matter, it also marked the emergence of Bellucci as a captivating screen presence. The film stands as a dramatic exploration of how far someone might go when pushed to the edge—and what it means to make that choice on one’s own terms.
