Paprika (1991), directed by the provocative Italian auteur Tinto Brass, is an erotic drama that delves into themes of desire, autonomy, and societal hypocrisy. Starring Debora Caprioglio in a defining performance, the film combines sensual imagery with a narrative that critiques both the objectification and commodification of women.

Set in 1950s Italy, the story centers on Mimma (Caprioglio), a young woman from the countryside who adopts the alias Paprika when she enters a brothel to earn money for her fiancé’s dream of owning a business. What begins as a temporary sacrifice evolves into a complex personal journey, as she confronts the realities of her profession, experiences betrayal, and gradually reclaims her own sense of identity and power.