Bingowings said:
Other space operas take a more 'realistic' approach but they tend to be the less fantasy driven ones with a thicker veneer of Science Fiction about them.
That's why Star Wars should be considered science fantasy instead of science fiction. Space opera is the more usual term people use, but it's important not to compare the fantastical science of Star Wars with something more clinically scientific like Star Trek. That's why I don't get the entire Trek vs. Wars clash. I love them both, but they are of two entirely different molds.
-NJM