MovieScore Media release Pessi Levanto’s score for the historical romantic drama Oma maa. Directed and co-written by Markku Pölönen, the film explores the post-war reconstruction of Finland, following a heartfelt love story from the end of the war in 1945 until the country’s hosting of the Olympic Games in Helsinki in 1952...

While I totally fell in love with Pessi Levanto's beautiful score for Oma Maa, I couldn't help but be reminded of John Williams's music for Angela's Ashes (1999), War Horse (2011) and, most notably, The Book Thief (2013).

Discussing the music, Levanto said: "My score for Oma Maa is colourful and romantic but in a subtle way. It portrays the picturesque nostalgia of post-war Finland with pastoral themes but also has a bittersweet and slightly melancholic undertone as rebuilding the country was really hard and took its toll on people. My aim was to bring light and impressionistic flavours into the score leaving room for the characters and scenery to breathe."

The 14 tracks (30 min, 13 sec) represent a good balance of melancholic, romantic themes. It's an incredibly rich score that will make any Williams fan smile. If I had to choose just one track to showcase what a rich and moving score this was I'd have to single out 'A New Home'.

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Darren Rea