THE pea brains in charge of expensive Hollywood junk should be forced to watch “The Fallen,” an indie war movie shot for less than a million bucks over 10 years.

They might learn that big isn’t always better – “The Fallen” is more compelling and intelligent than flicks made for 100 times that.

The setting is northern Italy during the late days of World War II. Director Ari Taub, whose resumé includes music videos and off-Broadway, focuses on French, German and American troops who are more concerned about staying alive than being heroes.

There is little battlefield action until the end. Instead, Taub puts a human face on the soldiers, convincingly played by an international cast of no names.

The troops are ordinary guys fighting a war they couldn’t care less about. Food, wine, women and survival are what really matter.

You care for these warriors, no matter which uniform they’re wearing. I don’t know Taub’s intentions, but “The Fallen” makes a potent antiwar statement.

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THE FALLEN [***] (Three stars)

In German, Italian and English, with subtitles. Running time: 112 minutes. Not rated (wartime violence). At the Two Boots Pioneer Theater, Avenue A and Third Street.