The Cross and the Switchblade (DVD, 2001)

The true story this movie reinacts is excellent, but let me recommend the book over the movie for a few reasons: Movie is low-budget and very dated - a modern viewer might laugh rather than feel conviction. Acting is poor. Fight scenes are are so amateur they are actually comical. Movie drags in places. Gang, drug, violent scenes, but especially the *sensual portions* are not really for little ones or churches. Still, the story is glorious, so perhaps you feel compelled to watch: if so, keep your expectations low and keep the young people away, (unless they are already so saturated with media that the problem scenes are just typical for them anyway). God did a wonderful thing - remember, the movie is just a movie.

I really liked this movie. I felt that it was a fairly accurate presentation of the true life story it was based on. I purchased this DVD because I had learned the story of Nicky Cruz and David Wilkerson in church as a child.

I like everything about the movie. I saw this movie a very long time ago (early 70's) and since then had the opportunity to meet the real Nicky Cruz and have seen him on several occasions. I wanted to own a DVD copy for a long time.

This is the 30th anniversary edition of this powerful biopic of the work of Rev David Wilkerson and the conversion of gangleader Nicky Cruz.

The acting and dialogue makes one cringe in places especially some of the fight scenes, but this films role is to emphasise the violence without revelling in it.

The sordidness of the life of a junky "deb" and being a gang member is another relevant point that time has not made any easier to watch and can be still seen in any big city today sadly. .

The tension at the youth rally is well portrayed .
The dramatic emphasis and close up on participants faces make this a believable film to watch.
However the important message is as relevant today as yesterday.

The Cross and the Switchblade is a compelling, true story about an average small town preacher, David Wilkerson, who goes to New York City because of a drawing in Time Magazine. The drawing, of seven young boys on trial for murder, changed the course of David's life. He goes to NYC in an attempt to see the boys. (This is where the Movie begins)In his zeal and passion David goes to the Court House that the boys are being tried at, in an attempt to get the judges attention David is grabbed by the police who then accuse him of "Intent to Murder the Judge". David ends up with his picture on the front of the New York Times. David is at first humiliated, but soon realizes the God has a purpose in calling him to NYC: The Gangs.

In the ensuing story David Wilkerson sees New York's Gangs at thier worst. These violent, and sex crazed teen addicts at first seem beyond hope.
But God soon shows David that the Holy Spirit can reach anyone. The Movie
is disturbing, touching, and thought provoking. All said the theme of The Cross and the Switchblade is this- Jesus saves!

I like the story, Its my fav and David Wilkinson is brilliant. I bought the book of The Cross and the Switchblade, Iv read it few time in the past. Now I want to watch it on film.

It is a excellent Christian tool to introduce Christ into the lives of people. Based on a true story with what came and went in the life of a man whos faith lead him to do by Christ's wishes and it shows how Christ actually helped in his life and the battle to get the street gangs into the church to actually listen instead of hearing God's will.

This is a true story about a minister who tries to reach a New York city gang. He ministers to them that will listen and finally reaches one young man. It is a dramatic true story how a young man turned from a life of drugs and crime.
I read the book the first time when I was 16 years old and just could not put it down. What an impact it had and has on my life after all these years! I still want to watch it and read the books! Look at my feedback and you will see I've been buying all of them as I can find them.
I would encourage everyone to watch this movie. I'm sure you will be glad you did!
There are also books written by: David Wilkerson and books by Nicky Cruz (who was the young man from the gang), and movies such as 'Run Baby Run'. Life story of Nicky Cruz.
This would be good for adults and teens. It teaches about turning to God and away from sin. In this world we live in, especially with these hard times, we need God in our lives now...probably more than ever! I felt chills running through me when I did...and a calm after reading/watching, like you would not believe, came over me. Experience this for yourselves. Watch the movies...Read the books.

This is a great movie!!! I bought this as a Christmas present for someone so I haven't given it to them yet, but I know they'll enjoy it as much as I did.