Many of the ancient Greek philosophers believed the circle was the most perfect form that existed. This notion did a great deal to inform their views on the universe, and has come down to us through any number of traditions. Even after the death of the idea of a perfectly circular universe died at the hands of Copernicus, Galileo, and others, the circle remains a potent symbol. Two recent films, Cloud Atlas and Samsara, explore the presence and potency of the circle in modern life.