Is Star Wars a Western film?

Question

Can't Star Wars be considered a Western film? it has alot of the qualiities..

Answer 1

George Lucas was heavily inspired by, among other things, Westerns.

Answer 2

I remember that when the film came out, both Roger Ebert and the late Gene Siskel called it a "Western cliff-hanger from outer space!" So I can see why a lot of film students and teachers would refer to it as a western! Hi-Ho, Falcon, Away!

Answer 3

In the first place , western films are about the wild west (as the name says). Plus , Star-Wars is totally a Science -fiction film , believe it or not ;)) .

Answer 4

I don't think star wars is as inspired by westerns as much as japanese and nazi culture. Han could be considered a cowboy I guess but thats about it. Serinity however fits the western mold much better.

Answer 5

Yes, but it's based on Akira Kurosawa's "The Hidden Fortress", which is a samurai film.
Of course, many samurai films are influenced by Westerns, and vice versa --
i.e. "A Fistful of Dollars" and "For a Few Dollars More" are taken from Kurosawa's "Yojimbo", and "Sanjuro"; while "The Magnificent Seven" is based on his "Seven Samurai".

Answer 6

That's the beauty of the original Star Wars Trilogy. The story can work in many different genres.

Answer 7

No, not a western by definition. No horses, no cowboys, no gun-fights (traditionally, 6-shooters used), no stage-coach robberies, no law men involved (Marshall Dillon or local sheriff), no hangings.

Answer 8

Yeah, it's a western right down to the gunfight in the street and the hero not getting the girl.

Answer 9

I believe it is based on some western themes and ideals...just as many westerns are based on Japanese Samurai tales