Lucrèce (film)

Lucrèce is a 1990 French historical drama film directed by Peter Del Monte and starring Laura Morante, Massimo Dapporto, and Clio Goldsmith. The film is a cinematic adaptation of the play Lucrezia by Vittorio Alfieri, which itself is based on the Roman legend of Lucretia, the noblewoman whose rape by Sextus Tarquinius led to the overthrow of the Roman monarchy and the establishment of the Roman Republic.

The film portrays the story of Lucrezia, wife of Collatinus, and her tragic ordeal. Sextus Tarquinius, son of the tyrannical Roman king Tarquinius Superbus, becomes consumed with lust for Lucrezia's beauty and virtue. He uses his power and position to force himself upon her. After the assault, Lucrezia reveals the crime to her husband and father and, overcome with shame and a desire to restore her honor, commits suicide. Her death ignites the outrage of the Roman people and inspires Lucius Junius Brutus to lead a rebellion that successfully deposes the Tarquins and establishes a new political order.

The film explores themes of power, lust, honor, virtue, and political corruption in ancient Rome. It presents a visual depiction of the historical period and the social mores that shaped the events surrounding Lucrezia's fate.