I found Zoe Cassavetes' Broken English a refreshingly honest film. Nora is simply portrayed by Parker Posey as a fearful woman, who drinks to excess, and is scared of being alone. Her friendship with Audrey acts as much to her loneliness as her mother. The married friend is the mixed curse.
Nora wanders from date to date, but is truly unfufilled. She seems more of a victim in dating instead of a participant. This changes with Julian.
Melvil Poupard's Julian is the muse who makes Nora's life unbalanced. He is also the one who makes her happy. She is transformed in his presence. It is magic onscreen. It is subtle enough to be real.
The trip to Paris is a journey of discovery both outward and inward for both Audrey and Nora. It gives them both new eyes on their worlds.
Personally, the one scene that opitimized Nora's life was Julian cleaning some dishes in Nora's sink. It was a cramped space with few glasses. The sign of a single person. It was a wise scene to keep in.
Broken English is not the most romantic film ever made. It is honest and fun, and sincere. I recommend it.