The Raffle (1991)
An Italian drama about a beautiful widow who raffles herself off to escape financial ruin, only to find love and the law standing in her way.
The Raffle - Movie Information
- Original Title: La Riffa
- Release Year: 1991
- Directed by: Francesco Laudadio
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 33m
- Original Language: Italian
- Spoken Languages: Italian
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 15, 1991 (Italy - T)
- Alternative Titles: La Rifa (ES), 라 리파 (KR), Franchesca (GR), Лотерея (UA), The Raffle (US)
- Production Companies: Produttori Associati, Filmola, Union Film
- Production Countries: Italy
The Raffle - Plot
Struggling with a financial crisis, a good-looking widow decides to put herself up for grabs. However, going through with it becomes almost impossible with a new love and the legal system thrown into the mix.
The Raffle - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for this compelling Italian drama:
Francesca is alone with a daughter and without a dime. But she's beautiful
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The Raffle - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Francesco Laudadio
Main Cast
- Monica Bellucci
- Giulio Scarpati
- Massimo Ghini
- Paolo Busiri Vici D'Arcevia
- Elena Cantarone
- Carla Cassola
- Sandra Collodel
- Paolo De Vita
- Gianluca Favilla
- Giulia Macchietti
Writers
- Francesco Laudadio
Producers
- Giuseppe Perugia
- Jacopo Capanna
The Raffle - FAQs
What is The Raffle about?
The Raffle follows Francesca, a beautiful Italian widow struggling with serious financial hardship who comes up with a daring solution: raffling herself off. But when she falls for someone new and the legal system gets involved, going through with her plan becomes far more complicated than she ever imagined.
Is The Raffle Monica Bellucci's early film debut?
Yes, The Raffle is one of Monica Bellucci's earliest film roles. She plays Francesca, the widow at the center of the story, in what was a notable early showcase of her screen presence before she became an internationally recognized star in films like Malèna and The Matrix Reloaded.
Where can you watch The Raffle online?
You can watch The Raffle on Amazon Video, where it's available to rent or buy. It's worth checking JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming options in your region.
Does Francesca actually go through with the raffle?
That's the central tension of the film. Francesca sets the raffle in motion out of desperation, but a budding romance with Antonio and interference from the legal system put her plan in serious jeopardy. Whether she follows through — and what it costs her — drives the story to its conclusion.
Who directed The Raffle and who wrote it?
Francesco Laudadio both directed and wrote The Raffle. The Italian filmmaker crafted this drama as a vehicle that blends romantic tension with social commentary, centering on a woman forced into an unconventional choice by financial desperation.
What is the tagline for The Raffle?
The film's tagline is: “Francesca is alone with a daughter and without a dime. But she's beautiful.” It perfectly captures the bittersweet premise — a woman whose only apparent asset in a desperate situation is her looks, and the moral and emotional weight that comes with that.
What are some movies similar to The Raffle?
If The Raffle appeals to you, you might enjoy other character-driven dramas like What Maisie Knew (2013), Other People's Money (1991), Alex of Venice (2015), or Petulia (1968). Each shares a focus on personal crisis, relationships under pressure, and complex emotional choices.
Where was The Raffle filmed?
The Raffle was produced in Italy, and the film's setting reflects authentic Italian everyday life — small-town pressures, community gossip, and the social stakes that make Francesca's unconventional plan all the more scandalous and compelling within her world.
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