Isao Takahata (高畑 勲, Takahata Isao?, born October 29, 1935) is a Japanese film director, animator, screenwriter and producer that has earned critical international acclaim for his work as a director of anime films. Takahata is co-founder of Studio Ghibli with long-time collaborative partner Hayao Miyazaki. He has directed films such as the war-themed Grave of the Fireflies, the romantic-drama Only Yesterday, the ecological-adventure Pom Poko and the comedy My Neighbors the Yamadas. Of these Grave of the Fireflies is considered by film critic Roger Ebert one of the greatest war films ever made. Unlike most anime directors, Takahata doesn't draw and never worked as an animator before becoming a full fledged director.
According to Hayao Miyazaki, "Music and study are his hobbies". He was born in the same town as fellow director Kon Ichikawa, while Japanese film giant Yasujiro Ozu was raised by his father in nearby Matsusaka.
Takahata graduated from the University of Tokyo French literature course in 1959.
Read more about Isao Takahata: Career, Influences and Style