Why did red need 10$?


i don't think it was for booze or for his teeth nor his eye.
The scene were he asks for the money is right after the scene were he almost trows his books into the river because it reminds him of his family too much. Maybe the 10$ are for buying more books or something?

oh, and I loved this movie :)

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Because it came right after the scene with the books, I assumed it was for traveling to see his parents.

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I would have to think it was to place money on himself. After he realized he needs to unburden his "baggage", he'd actually race to win.

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He got a girl pregnant and needed to pay for an abortion. That's why it was so awkward when Red asked him. Howard understood, and they both made sure not to state the obvious to each other.

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And you arrived at this conclusion how????

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It was for Red to go see his parents...with whom he was very angry for leaving him with the trainer...though I believe the book says that he never saw his parents again after they left him with the trainer.

Since he stopped being so angry after that visit, we are lead to believe he made his peace...though he never did see his parents again. He was shown nearly dropping the bag of books his father gave him into a creek, but then winds up not doing so. He somehow, in that moment, made peace with what his parents had done.


The sign of a great movie is when people are still talking about it after 8 years...

Love and Compassion are for those who can afford it. I can't.

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The $10 remains a mystery for me, as well. I thought maybe it was to send to his folks, but I wasn't sure.

But I do think that he was expecting Charles to treat him like some crap servant and give him a rough time when he asked for the money. In the film, as a too-big jockey and a lousy boxer, up to that point Red was no more than just another piece of meat in the pop-sports realm, similar to the tossed away horses, so I'd imagine he wasn't expecting to be treated very well. When Charles was kind enough to give him a $20 without a lecture or anything, I think that was why Red became calmer after that. Charles became his replacement father, and not just another exploitative boss.

Just my reading, though. Ultimately, I have no idea for certain what the $10 was for.

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He wanted to go the dentist. He says his tooth was hurting him.

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He wanted to go the dentist. He says his tooth was hurting him.

That's exactly what he said. How did everyone miss that?


I could totally give my life for blueberry pancakes!

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He wanted to go the dentist. He says his tooth was hurting him.

That's exactly what he said. How did everyone miss that?

Because it seemed like he was just saying that to get the money rather than being genuine.

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Because it seemed like he was just saying that to get the money rather than being genuine.


I just watched that scene again and I believe you are right. Red probably figured that if he just asked for the money he wouldn't get it.


I hate boys!

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yup, and before that Charles was wondering why he was so angry. So, not to overthink the whole: he was angry because of toothache.

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No, he was angry with his parents. The next scene is him on the bridge, considering throwing the bag of books into the water. He recalls his father saying they’d call him every couple of weeks. Which they obviously didn’t. However, he then remembers his father saying he has a gift, which changes his mind and makes him determined to prove that right. The toothache is an excuse. The money is either to send to his parents or so he can visit them, to show them he’s making it. And this is the moment when Red and Seabiscuit start winning.

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I thought it was more a gestural thing that Red, who was very stubborn and independent, was prepared to ask someone for a favour.


www.paynebyname.com

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