The classic and ongoing "Star Wars" saga has reached new hype, bringing on a range of emotions from fans. The popular opinions of recent moviegoers are filled with as much doubt and turmoil as we have seen depicted in the storyline of the latest movie, "The Last Jedi." Despite the ever-fluctuating view on the "Star Wars" franchise, this fictional film series, as a whole, remains one of Hollywood's most loved cinematic tales. The term fictional is used because the definite genre to which "Star Wars" belongs is questionable.

Elements that are not scientific that we see in 'Star Wars'

Many avid "Star Wars" watchers may jump to the conclusion that the saga fits into the sci-fi category. However, it is perhaps more appropriately classified under the broad arm of fantasy. This article will not sway the reader in any specific direction. It will only provide some canny observations. You can decide for yourself which genre the saga fits best in.

The galaxy far, far away hosts a great variety of bizarre organisms, creatures which appear rather strange from a human perspective. There are dark flying beasts, giant asteroid worms, enormous fish, great toothful mouths in the sand, and fearsome tentacled brutes. But these could all be classified under the fantasy genre and not really sci-fi.

What about some of the fantastical fauna seen in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, such as the Kraken, an unnaturally-sized giant squid? It is a fine example of a mythical creature which has found its way into some major motion pictures.

Yet, practically nobody would call "Pirates of the Caribbean" science fiction. It's just a story about a perpetually drunk pirate who gets in some trouble with curses, broken bargains, and magic.

Just because a story takes place on another planet, among the stars, or in a galaxy far, far away does not mean that the basis of a plot is automatically considered sci-fi. You could examine the "Star Wars" movies and deduce that they are not science fiction because, apart from some strange creatures existing in that universe, the stories could just as easily have taken place on Earth.

Some may hold this opinion.

Scientific elements we can find in 'Star Wars'

Perhaps the most scientifically-related concept in the "Star Wars" saga is that of the mysterious Force. Think about it. The simple scientific definition of a force is a push or pull. Jedi and Sith, individuals trained in the Force, can exert pushes and pulls on the objects and creatures around them.

A prime example of a Force pull is the scene in "The Empire Strikes Back" in which Darth Vader pulls the laser blaster from Han Solo's grasp. The firearm goes flying through the air, landing in Vader's hand.

We see a superb example of a push in the sequence from "The Last Jedi" where Rey and Kylo Ren both reach for Luke's lightsaber, similar to a battle scene between Anakin and Obi-Wan in Episode 3.

Almost equal forces are exerted, resulting in a dramatic cinematic effect.

This could be the only really strong scientific element depicted in "Star Wars," though the prequels tried to bring in elements of cloning, gravity (another force), and midichlorians (fictitious microbes existing in living cells). This not only made the prequels feel like science fiction but, as some fans will argue, it also made the prequels feel less like "Star Wars."

It is interesting to explore the science and absence of science in the entire saga. Some may call it merely fantasy; some call it sci-fi. It is likely this dispute and others regarding the franchise will continue for years to come.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED