raywest

28th Jan 2021

Cars (2006)

Question: In the final race, Lightning stops at the finish line and gives up the win to help The King. I don't get why. If he wanted the win and the Dinoco sponsorship, then why not win, then go help him. Sure, he was being a good sportsman, but even in football, you can win, cheer, and then go congratulate the team and say good game. He would have been praised either way.

Answer: It was about choosing personal character and integrity over fame and monetary reward. Lightning McQueen knew that if he won, the ensuing glory and adulation could be shallow and fleeting, as it had been for Doc. McQueen was already selfish and arrogant, and he realised winning the championship would have made him worse. He instead makes a sacrifice to help someone else, stays loyal to his less-glamorous Rust-Eze sponsor, who always supported him, and knows who his true friends are so that, moving forward, he can build a more meaningful life.

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