John Grogan's book, "Marley & Me" was one of the most enjoyable books I have ever read! And yes the movie as well.
It starts with a newlywed couple, John and Jenny. They move from Michigan to Florida and get jobs as newspaper reporters. Jenny wants to have a baby. However, John is not ready for fatherhood yet. So, they adopt Marley, a Lab puppy, that they fall in love with.
The series was narrated by Orson Welles and was based on the adventures of William Adams, a British navigator. An English ship pilot named John Blackthorne was forced to deal with two men in Japan which is said to be the most powerful on the country at that time when their vessel wrecked upon their country coast. He was thrown in the war and struggle for the title of Shogun which will gave great power to any one who possesses it.